Which one of the below best describes the meaning of ‘stereotypes’? Select one:

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Let’s analyze each option to understand what stereotype means and why the correct choice fits best.

Option a: 'The ability to identify a person depending on how they appear and communicate.' This describes a general skill in perception or impression formation, not the concept of stereotypes. It focuses on identification and communication, which is not what stereotypes are.

Option b: 'A general unimaginable idea of a particular type of person.' The phrase 'unimaginable' is odd and misleading here; stereotypes are not about something unimaginable. They are preconceived ideas, but this wording incorrectly suggests perception of impossibility or invisibility, making the statement inaccurate.

Option c: 'A widely held fixed and richly complex image or idea of a person or thing.' Here, 'widely held' captures common social acceptance, and 'fixed' indicates a stable belief, but 'richly complex' adds unnecessary depth that is not typical of stereotypes, which are usually oversimplified. This option mixes accuracy with an overly nuanced descriptor, so it’s not the best fit.

Option d: 'A widely held fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.' This aligns precisely with the standard definition of stereotypes: a broadly shared, inflexible, and simplified belief about a group or category, reducing individuality and complexity.

In summary, options a and b misrepresent the concept, option c introduces an inaccurate emphasis on complexity, and option d accurately captures the core characteristics of stereotypes: broad agreement, fixity, and oversimplification of attributes assigned to a group or type.

Which one of the below best describes the meaning of ‘stereotypes’? Select one:

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