What behavioral tendency is shown when one person generalizes that all dancers are egocentric based on a few encounters?

The chosen answer, which is stereotyping, is accurate because it refers to the process of categorizing individuals based on perceived characteristics derived from a limited set of observations. In this case, the assumption that all dancers are egocentric based on just a few encounters exemplifies how a broad generalization is made without considering the diversity and individual differences among dancers.

Stereotyping often leads to oversimplified views and can result in misjudgments about entire groups based on the actions or characteristics of a few members. It underscores inherent tendencies to simplify complex human behaviors into easy-to-understand categories, often lacking a comprehensive look at the reality of the situation.

The other options reflect different concepts. For example, bias refers to a particular preference or inclination that impacts judgment but is broader than the specific act of generalization involved in stereotyping. Tabloid thinking typically involves sensationalism and a focus on exaggerated news stories, which does not pertain to the generalization of characteristics. Prejudice involves forming negative attitudes or beliefs about a group based on stereotypes, yet it does not specifically center on the act of generalizing from limited experiences. Thus, stereotyping is the most fitting term for the behavior illustrated in the scenario.