The issue of racial profiling has been a controversial topic in the United States for many years, and it was particularly widespread after the events of September 11, 2001. When an individual engages in profiling and assumes that one person must possess certain qualities because of their race or ethnicity, (s) he is engaging in _____________.

A) attributing
B) discrimination
C) stereotyping
D) social loafing

Racial Profiling

The discriminatory practice by law enforcement officials of targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the individual's race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.

Stereotyping

A cognitive process where individuals assign identical attributes to all members of a group, regardless of the actual variation among the members.

Social Loafing

A phenomenon in group settings where individuals reduce their effort because they believe other members of the group will compensate.