What term refers to widely held but fixed and oversimplified beliefs about a particular group of people?

The term that refers to widely held but fixed and oversimplified beliefs about a particular group of people is "stereotype. " Stereotypes can be seen as generalizations that assume all members of a group share the same traits or behaviors, even though this is often not true. For example, if someone believes that all teenagers are irresponsible, they are using a stereotype that overlooks the many responsible teenagers who exist. These oversimplified beliefs can lead to misunderstandings and prejudice, as they do not take into account individual differences. Understanding stereotypes is important because it helps us recognize and challenge unfair assumptions about others.