Final answer:
The statement aligns with the out-group homogeneity bias, a tendency to see out-group members as more similar to each other than in-group members, leading to stereotypes and potentially to prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "they all look and act alike" is most consistent with the out-group homogeneity bias. This cognitive bias refers to the tendency of people to view members of an out-group as more similar to each other than members of their own group (in-group), often leading to stereotypical thinking.
Out-group homogeneity bias is part of the phenomena where individuals perceive and judge members of an out-group as lacking individuality and variance in behavior and characteristics. Such a bias is a common root of stereotypes and prejudices, as it simplifies the complex diversity of a whole group to singular, often negative, characteristics.
By recognizing the existence of this bias, individuals and groups can work towards reducing its effects. This involves actively seeking information about out-group members that contradicts our preconceptions, increasing our direct interactions with diverse out-groups, and fostering a mindset that appreciates individual differences regardless of group membership.