Which of the following best describes the relationship between schemas and stereotypes in cognitive psychology?

• A. Stereotypes are a specific type of schema that apply to social groups.
• B. Stereotypes are broader than schemas and include all forms of knowledge.
• C. Schemas are a specific type of stereotype that apply to individual people.
• D. Schemas and stereotypes are completely unrelated cognitive structures.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of schemas in cognitive psychology. Schemas are mental frameworks or structures that help individuals organize and interpret information based on prior knowledge and experience.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of stereotypes. Stereotypes are a specific type of schema that involve generalized beliefs or expectations about social groups, often simplifying and categorizing people based on group membership.
3. Step 3: Compare the scope of schemas and stereotypes. Schemas can apply to a wide range of information, including objects, events, and people, while stereotypes specifically relate to social groups.
4. Step 4: Analyze the answer choices by matching these definitions. The correct relationship is that stereotypes are a specific type of schema focused on social groups.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is: 'Stereotypes are a specific type of schema that apply to social groups,' because this accurately reflects the hierarchical and content-specific relationship between schemas and stereotypes.