Development of Stereotypes Development of Stereotypes To help simplify a complex world, people develop mental models called schemas.
Problems arise when people begin to oversimplify schemas.
Oversimplified schemas are known as stereotypes. Stereotypes are fixed impressions and exaggerated and preconceived ideas and descriptions about a certain type of person, group or society. Stereotypes are believed about a group for being members of the group. When stereotypes are believed for a long period of time, they become fixed into people's minds. It is difficult to change people's minds or to replace stereotypes with facts.