Which term describes the tendency to treat a group as if they share the same characteristics, often based on limited information?

• A. Perspective
• B. Stereotypes
• C. Prejudice
• D. Social Bias

Answer: (B)

Tendency to treat a group as if they share the same characteristics based on limited information is stereotyping. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs about groups, created as quick shortcuts to understand people, but they often overgeneralize and misrepresent individuals. This makes them easy to apply but frequently inaccurate, and they can fuel unfair attitudes and discriminatory behavior. In contrast, prejudice is more about an attitude or feeling toward a group, which can be negative or positive, and bias refers to a broader pattern of favoritism or prejudice that can color judgments across situations. A perspective is simply a viewpoint or angle, not inherently about assuming shared traits for a whole group. Understanding this helps you recognize when generalizations are shaping your thinking and how to evaluate people as individuals instead.