John read with interest a recent newspaper article about a string of murders in his home town. The suspect in the murders has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. John now believes that most mentally ill people are dangerous and should be locked up. John's overestimation of the relationship between mentally ill individuals and aggressive tendencies is referred to as a (n):

a. illusory correlation. b. confirming association. c. personal prejudice. d. false stereotype.

The correct answer is A. Illusory correlation

Explanation:

"Illusory correlation" is a term used in psychology to describe the tendency to relate two or more events, people, situations or phenomena even if they do not have a relation or connection. Additionally, illusory correlation can lead to the creation of stereotypes if the believed about the connection of two events prevail over time.

In the case presented, there is illusory correlation because John assumes all people with mental illnesses are dangerous or criminals based only on the suspect that was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which means John is mistakenly relating two events, although these are not necessarily connected as not all criminals have a mental illness and not all people with mental illness are criminals or dangerous.