What do stereotypes refer to?

Stereotypes refer to widely held beliefs that people possess specific characteristics based solely on their membership in particular groups. This definition encompasses the generalizations and assumptions made about individuals based on aspects such as race, gender, age, or cultural background, rather than on their individual qualities or actions. Stereotypes can lead to simplified and sometimes inaccurate perceptions of people, resulting in bias and a lack of appreciation for individual differences.

The other options focus more on personal beliefs, opinions, or evaluations that are not necessarily grounded in group membership or common societal beliefs, which is the crux of what stereotypes entail. Specifically, individual beliefs about a person's character and personal evaluations of incidents relate to subjective interpretations rather than generalized assumptions of a group. Additionally, professional opinions may reflect specialized knowledge but do not capture the essence of a stereotype, which is about larger societal beliefs rather than individual assessments.