In social cognition, category-based schemas that are related to groups of people are called _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Stereotype
Option (1) Prototypes — Incorrect. Schemas that function in the form of categories are called prototypes: the entire set of features or qualities that help us define an object completely. They are category-based schemas in general, not those about groups of people.
Option (2) Stereotype — Correct. In social cognition, category-based schemas that are related to groups of people are called stereotypes. They are overgeneralised, not directly verified, and do not allow for exceptions.
Option (3) Schema — Incorrect. A schema is the general term: a mental structure that provides a framework, set of rules or guidelines for processing information about any object. A stereotype is one kind of schema, the one the question describes.
Option (4) Category — Incorrect. A category or class is the form most schemas take, not the name of a schema about groups of people.
Note: The account of stereotypes as category-based schemas related to groups of people was there in the section ‘Schemas and Stereotypes’ of the chapter ‘Attitude and Social Cognition’ of the pre-rationalised NCERT, which NTA followed in 2023, and is not there in the NCERT book (2025-26).
NCERT (2025-26): “Prejudice and Discrimination … As will be discussed below in the section on social cognition, a stereotype is a cluster of ideas regarding the characteristics of a specific group. All members belonging to this group are assumed to possess these characteristics.…” NCERT (Pre-rationalised): “Schemas and Stereotypes … A schema is defined as a mental structure that provides a framework, set of rules or guidelines for processing information about any object. … Most of the schemas are in the form of categories or classes. Schemas that function in the form of categories are called prototypes, which are the entire set of features or qualities that help us to define an object completely. In social cognition, category-based schemas that are related to groups of people are called stereotypes. These are category-based schemas that are overgeneralised, are not directly verified, and do not allow for exceptions.…” |