In certain situations, we may respond to stereotypes and act on them, with the result that false definitions become accurate. this is known as the a. functionalist theory. b. exploitation theory. c. self-fulfilling prophecy. d. authoritarian personality.

c. self-fulfilling prophecy.

Explanation:

Some studies have shown  stereotypes will be present as people act on behalf of them and people being stereotyped will, in turn, reinforce them:

If someone carries an interview with someone from a certain race, he may then have a general assumption of how people from that race behave.

Again, if the interviewer receives an application to see someone from that race, he will most likely treat them according to that set of beliefs.

We refer to the self-fulfilling prophecy as the Pygmalion effect.

Individuals assume certain roles based on the beliefs and assumptions made on them: so if we think of Asiatic people being more intelligent they will tend to be more productive while at work, on the contrary, if we see black or Hispanos as less capable, they will tend to decrease their productivity.