Which of the following is NOT a component of a stereotype?

In the context of stereotypes, the correct choice is based on the understanding that stereotypes primarily consist of cognitive components that shape perceptions of individuals or groups. These components include beliefs, which are the ingrained ideas we hold about what characteristics are typical of members of a particular group; expectations, which are the anticipations we develop based on those beliefs; and characteristics, which refer to the traits we associate with the group.

Cooperation, however, does not fit into the foundational components of a stereotype. While stereotypes can influence social interactions and potentially impact cooperative behaviors, cooperation itself is an outcome of social dynamics and relationships rather than a component of the cognitive framework that constitutes a stereotype. Therefore, it stands apart from the defining elements that shape how we categorize and interpret the actions or traits of others based on group affiliation.