What is a typical characteristic of stereotypes?

Stereotypes are generalized beliefs or expectations about a particular group of people that can shape perceptions and attitudes. The characteristic that they are sometimes accurate and can be resistant to new information highlights an important aspect of stereotypes. While some stereotypes may have a basis in reality, they often fail to account for individual differences within the group and may lead to overgeneralizations.

This resistance to new information occurs because once stereotypes are formed, they create a cognitive framework that can distort the way new information is interpreted. People tend to seek out information that confirms existing stereotypes and may disregard evidence that contradicts them. This phenomenon is known as confirmation bias, which reinforces the persistence of stereotypes even in the face of contradictory evidence.

Effective understanding of stereotypes in social psychology involves recognizing their potential validity in certain contexts while also acknowledging their limitations and the role of cognitive biases in maintaining them.