What are very general beliefs about other people that can influence our perceptions of their behavior called?

The term that refers to very general beliefs about other people that influence our perceptions of their behavior is known as personal constructs. This concept is based on George Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, which suggests that individuals interpret and predict events and behaviors based on their own set of subjective beliefs and perceptions.

Personal constructs help organize experiences and form the basis for how we evaluate and react to the behaviors of others. They shape our understanding of the world and influence our interactions, often serving as mental frameworks that guide our thoughts and judgments about individuals and social situations. For instance, if someone holds a personal construct that views people as generally trustworthy, they are likely to interpret ambiguous actions as positive or benign.

The other choices represent different concepts that are not related to the general beliefs about people's behavior in the same way. Understanding personal constructs as a psychological framework is essential in social psychology and helps illuminate how our perceptions are formed and the impact they can have on relationships and communication.