FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationHard
An instructor assumes that a 58-year-old career-changer student will be unable to learn electronic flight bag (EFB) software, so he skips teaching the EFB features he normally covers with younger students, based solely on the student's age. This assumption is best described as which obstacle affecting instruction?
- AStereotyping
- BRationalization
- CProjection
- DReaction formation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Stereotyping
Stereotyping is a perception error in which an instructor forms an oversimplified, generalized assumption about a person based on a group characteristic (such as age) rather than the individual's actual abilities, which can lead to unequal or inadequate instruction.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rationalization involves justifying one's own behavior with excuses, not judging a student based on a group trait.
- C. Projection involves attributing one's own feelings to someone else, not making generalized assumptions about a group.
- D. Reaction formation involves expressing feelings opposite to true ones, unrelated to this scenario.
Stereotyping (Perception Bias)
A perception error in which a person is judged based on assumptions about a group they belong to rather than on individual characteristics or performance.
- Leads to unfair or inaccurate instructional decisions
- Different from the Halo Effect, which generalizes from one trait
- Instructors should evaluate students individually to avoid bias
Memory trick: 'Stereo-typing' plays the same tune 🎵 for everyone in a group.