British Columbia Basic Security Training Practice Exam

Which one of the following would be an example of a 'stereotype'?

1. Men on average are larger than women.

2. People who exercise a lot are in better shape than those who do not exercise at all.

3. Older people are poor drivers.

4. People of Asian ethnicity tend to have black color hair.

The correct answer is: Older people are poor drivers.

A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. The concept of stereotyping involves grouping individuals based on generalized perceptions or assumptions, rather than on their individual characteristics or abilities. In the context of the given options, the answer "Older people are poor drivers" is deemed a stereotype. This is an oversimplified and generalized belief that doesn't take into account individual skills, health condition, experience, attitude or other characteristics of older people that can influence their ability to drive. In reality, the ability to drive effectively can be influenced by these factors rather than just age. It's also important to be aware that such stereotypes can lead to discrimination and it's essential to treat every individual based on their specific competencies, not on assumptions or biases. Therefore, in security work, it is important to avoid stereotypes in order to ensure fair treatment of all individuals.