Which term refers to preconceptions about someone or something?

• A. Stereotyping
• B. Attributions
• C. Confirmation Bias
• D. Michelangelo phenomenon

Answer: (A)

Stereotyping is about forming preconceptions about someone or something. It involves generalized beliefs or expectations—often oversimplified—that people apply to others or groups, acting as quick mental shortcuts that can shape how we perceive and judge individuals before we have full information. This helps explain why we might treat someone based on a broad image rather than their unique qualities.

Attributions, on the other hand, deal with explaining why someone behaved a certain way by attributing causes to internal traits or external circumstances. Confirmation bias refers to favoring information that confirms our preexisting beliefs, rather than the preconceptions themselves. The Michelangelo phenomenon describes how partners shape each other’s self-perception through supportive actions in a relationship, not preconceptions about people.