What term is used to describe the grouping of individuals by their similarities and characteristics?

The correct term for the grouping of individuals based on their similarities and characteristics is social categorization. This concept is central to social psychology and refers to the cognitive process in which people organize themselves and others into categories. When we categorize individuals, we often consider shared traits such as age, gender, ethnicity, interests, or other characteristics that imply similarity.

Social categorization helps simplify social interactions and enables individuals to identify with groups, thereby fostering an understanding of social dynamics and relationships. It plays a role in various social phenomena, including group identity, conformity, and the development of stereotypes, as individuals often make assumptions based on the categories to which someone belongs.

The other terms, while related to the study of social interactions, do not specifically refer to the act of grouping individuals based on characteristics. Social comparison refers to evaluating one’s own abilities or opinions by comparing them to others. Social identification involves the personal association with a social group, emphasizing belonging rather than merely categorization. Implicit attitudes refer to attitudes that are involuntary and often unconscious, rather than a way of organizing individuals based on similarities.