Final answer:
The statement that best describes the impact of stereotypes on initial interactions is that they shape our perceptions and expectations. Stereotypes, fueled by confirmation bias, can lead to prejudiced attitudes and behaviors. Recognizing and challenging these biases is essential for improving social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes how stereotypes affect our interaction with others when we first meet is: b) They shape our perceptions and expectations. Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about groups of people, and they influence the way we perceive and interact with others. For instance, stereotypes about age might lead us to expect that older adults are slow and incompetent, resulting in prejudiced attitudes towards them, even though many may not fit this stereotype.
Confirmation bias further reinforces these prejudices by causing us to seek out information that supports our stereotypes and ignore evidence that contradicts them. This could be seen in an employer who focuses on small mistakes made by a job applicant that fits the stereotype they hold, rather than their overall competent performance.
Similarly, in-group bias leads us to prefer our own group over others, which can result in prejudice and discrimination against those who are part of an out-group. Learning to recognize and challenge these stereotypes and biases is crucial for reducing their impact on our interactions with others.