Which of the following best defines a stereotype?

A stereotype is best defined as a generalization about a group of people. This captures the essence of how stereotypes are formed—they often involve oversimplified beliefs or ideas applied broadly to all members of that group, regardless of individual differences.

Generalizations are often based on various characteristics such as race, gender, age, or ethnicity and can lead to misconceptions about individuals within that group. The use of the term “generalization” emphasizes that these views can overlook the complexity and diversity found within any group, which is a critical characteristic of stereotypes.

The other options focus on individual opinions or critiques, which do not reflect the collective nature of stereotypes. Stereotypes are inherently group-based, which distinguishes them from personal opinions about an individual or assessments aimed at evaluating social dynamics objectively or without bias. This further reinforces the definition that aligns best with the nature of stereotypes, making the generalization about a group the correct choice.