Read the passage given below and answer the question that follow:

A stereotype is a generalised characteristic which is applied to all members of a group regardless of whether that feature is true for the particular individual or not. For example, a common stereotype is that the average man is aggressive and the average woman gentle. In reality, this is not true; some men are gentle and some women are aggressive. If stereotypes are used during interviews as a basis for judgement, some very wrong and dangerous decision can be made.

Using stereotypes, rather than gathering evidence from individuals about their abilities, can lead to costly mistakes. It is not easy to suspend judgement, for it is normal to predict what an unknown person will look like and how they are likely to behave. That is why it is so important that major decisions, especially those concerning appointments, make use of data-gathering techniques that are known to be good predictors of subsequent performance.

The words 'prejudice' and 'prejudgement' have the same roots: both those decisions that are made in advance. As the whole process of selection involves making decisions about the applicants on very small amounts of detail, care is needed to ensure that it is possible to discriminate between those candidates who do not meet the criteria and those who are likely to do the job. Difficulties occur when decisions are made on factors other than job-related criteria.

According to the passage, what is the meaning of 'Stereotype' ?

a generalised characteristic which is applied to all members of a group regardless of whether that feature is true for a particular individual or not

The correct answer is Option (3) → a generalised characteristic which is applied to all members of a group regardless of whether that feature is true for a particular individual or not