Final answer:
The statement exemplifies stereotyping by specifically noting the individual's ethnicity in relation to their intelligence, potentially feeding into ethnic biases and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "I met the smartest Hispanic guy the other day. He’s in my study group for my math class" contains an example of a) Stereotyping. This classification comes from the emphasis on the individual's ethnicity when complimenting their intelligence, which suggests an underlying expectation that their intelligence is notable because of their ethnicity. This can inadvertently reinforce certain stereotypes about ethnic groups and intelligence. Such stereotypes may contribute to ethnic bias, where certain groups are seen as inherently more or less intelligent. For instance, Asian Americans may face the 'model minority' stereotype where they are expected to be smart and capable. When individuals do not fit these stereotypes, they may experience discrimination or unjust expectations.
It's crucial to recognize that stereotypes, even when they seem positive, can have harmful implications by creating unrealistic expectations and overlooking individual attributes. Recognizing and challenging our biases can help prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes and promote more inclusive attitudes.