What Is a Stereotype? How Are Stereotypes Formed and Maintained

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The Answer is A stereotype is an individual's set of beliefs about the characteristics or attributes of a group. Stereotyping is based on a four-step process: categorization, inferences, expectations, and maintenance. In categorization, we categorize people into groups according to criteria gender, age, race, and occupation. In inferences, we infer that all people within a category possess the same traits or characteristics. In expectations, we form expectations of others and interpret their behavior according to our stereotypes. In maintenance, we overestimate the frequency of stereotypic behaviors, incorrectly explain expected and unexpected behaviors, and differentiate minority individuals from ourselves.

What Is a Stereotype? How Are Stereotypes Formed and Maintained

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