In cognitive psychology, the statement "all basketball players are tall" is best described as which of the following?

• A. A stereotype
• B. An algorithm
• C. A schema
• D. A heuristic

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the meaning of each option in the context of cognitive psychology. A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group of people, often oversimplified and not necessarily accurate.
2. Step 2: Define 'algorithm' as a step-by-step procedure or formula that guarantees a solution to a problem, which is not related to generalized beliefs about groups.
3. Step 3: Define 'schema' as a cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information, often broader than stereotypes and can include knowledge about objects, events, or people.
4. Step 4: Define 'heuristic' as a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that helps make decisions quickly but does not guarantee accuracy.
5. Step 5: Compare the statement 'all basketball players are tall' to these definitions and recognize it as a generalized belief about a group, which fits the definition of a stereotype.