Final answer:
Brian's conclusion that all girls love the movie Titanic based on his encounter with three girls is an example of stereotyping.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brian's conclusion that all girls love Titanic based on the preferences of three individuals is a classic example of stereotyping. Stereotyping involves forming generalized beliefs or assumptions about an entire group of people based on limited information or experiences with a few individuals. In this case, Brian is extrapolating the preferences of three girls to an entire gender, oversimplifying a diverse group of individuals.
Confirmation bias could come into play if Brian actively seeks out or selectively pays attention to information that supports his belief while dismissing or ignoring information that contradicts it. This bias reinforces and perpetuates the stereotype by reinforcing existing beliefs rather than challenging or refining them based on a broader range of experiences.
Observational learning, however, is not applicable in this scenario. Observational learning typically involves acquiring new behaviors or knowledge by observing and imitating others. Brian is not adopting a new behavior through observing others; instead, he is forming a generalized belief based on limited personal encounters.
A self-fulfilling prophecy, which involves expectations influencing actions in a way that causes those expectations to come true, is also not applicable in Brian's scenario. He is forming a stereotype, but there is no indication that his beliefs about girls and their preferences for Titanic are influencing the behavior of the girls themselves.
In conclusion, Brian's conclusion about all girls loving Titanic exemplifies the cognitive error of stereotyping, where generalizations are made about a group based on limited information, potentially perpetuating biased beliefs and inhibiting a more nuanced understanding of individual preferences within the group.