Scientists Say: Stereotype

Stereotype (noun, “STARE-ee-oh-type”)

This is a belief, view or explanation about something that may not be true. For example, some people may believe that athletes don’t do well in school or that girls aren’t as good at math as boys. But stereotypes such as these are usually wrong, often because they are overly simplified. Some people who enjoy sports may not like the classroom, but others do. And girls are just as talented as boys at math.

In a sentence

There’s a stereotype that boys are better that math and science than girls — a belief that isn’t true at all.

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