An exaggerated belief, image or distorted truth about a person or group — a generalization that allows for little or no individual differences or social variation. Stereotypes are based on images in mass media, or reputations passed on by parents, peers and other members of society. Stereotypes can be positive or negative.

Southern Poverty Law Center. (n.d.). Test yourself for hidden bias. Retrieved from http://www.tolerance.org/activity/test- yourself-hidden-bias.