The representativeness heuristic can be used to create and sustain

• A. memories.
• B. algorithms.
• C. stereotypes.
• D. scripts.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the representativeness heuristic: It is a cognitive bias where people categorize a situation based on how similar it is to a typical case, often leading to errors in judgment.
2. Recognize that stereotypes are generalized beliefs about a group of people, which are often formed based on representativeness heuristic by associating certain traits with a group.
3. Consider how the representativeness heuristic can lead to the creation of stereotypes: When individuals encounter someone who fits a certain prototype, they may assume that person possesses all the traits associated with that stereotype.
4. Reflect on how stereotypes are sustained: Once formed, stereotypes can be reinforced by selectively attending to information that confirms the stereotype and ignoring information that contradicts it.
5. Conclude that the representativeness heuristic is closely linked to the formation and maintenance of stereotypes, as it simplifies complex social information into more manageable categories.