A generalization about a group that is applied to individuals is an example of ________.

• A. prejudice
• B. bias
• C. stereotyping
• D. discrimination

Answer: (C)

Stereotyping is when we take a general belief about a group and apply it to an individual. It’s a mental shortcut that assumes a person shares the traits of the group simply because of group membership. This leads to quick judgments about someone’s abilities, motivations, or behavior without knowing them personally.

In practice, you might hear or think something like, “All people from that department are assertive,” and then treat a specific person from that department as if they must be assertive. That’s stereotyping in action: a generalization about a group placed onto an individual.

Stereotyping is different from prejudice, which is an unfounded negative attitude toward a group, and from discrimination, which is acting on those beliefs by treating someone unfavorably. It’s also distinct from bias, a broader tendency to favor or disfavor people in a pattern that colors judgment; stereotyping is the specific form that uses group-based beliefs about individuals.