Final answer:
A set of beliefs generalized to all members of a group is called a stereotype, which is an oversimplified idea that can lead to prejudice and discrimination against individuals within that group.
Step-by-step explanation:
A set of beliefs about the characteristics of people in a group that is generalized to all group members is called a stereotype. Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about groups of people that do not take individual differences into account. While stereotypes can occasionally be positive, they are often negative and affect how individuals in these groups are perceived and treated by others, leading to prejudice and possibly discrimination.
It's crucial to understand that stereotypes form the basis of prejudice, which is an unjustified attitude towards members of a group, and discrimination, which refers to actions taken against a group. An example of a stereotype would be the belief that older adults are slow and incompetent, which is unfair to many active and sharp individuals within that age group.