Question

When a person clearly disconfirms an observer's stereotype, the observer may create a new subcategory in order to retain the stereotype. This behavior is called:

a) confirmation bias
b) cognitive dissonance
c) subtyping
d) prejudice reduction

Answer 1

The creation of a subcategory when encountering someone who doesn't fit a stereotype is known as subtyping, not prejudice reduction, which is about changing beliefs positively.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an individual encounters someone who does not fit their stereotypes, they might create a subcategory for that person, a concept known as subtyping. This process allows the individual to retain the original stereotype by viewing the contradictory evidence as an exception rather than an indication that the stereotype may be incorrect.

This behavior is not an example of prejudice reduction, contrary to what the initially provided answer suggests. Prejudice reduction involves changing one's beliefs and attitudes toward a group in a positive direction. Confirmation bias plays a key role in the maintenance of stereotypes and prejudice as people tend to seek out information that supports their preconceptions while ignoring contradictory evidence. Efforts to reduce prejudice might involve increasing awareness of confirmation bias, promoting empathy, and encouraging personal interactions between members of different groups.