What thought process does a basketball coach exhibit when assuming height correlates with talent?

The reasoning behind selecting "a stereotype" as the correct answer lies in the definition of stereotypes. A stereotype involves overgeneralizing attributes or traits to an entire group based on certain characteristics—in this case, the assumption that a player’s height correlates with their basketball talent. This thought process reflects a common belief that taller players are inherently better, which can influence the coach's judgment and evaluations of potential players without considering individual skills, qualities, or training.

The other options highlight different cognitive biases but do not specifically describe the coach's assumption as accurately. Confirmation bias relates to favoring information that supports preexisting beliefs, while the availability heuristic involves relying on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a situation. Overgeneralization, while similar to stereotyping, tends to involve making broad claims based on limited evidence, which is not as precise as the notion of applying a trait to a group categorically. In this context, the coach's belief clearly exemplifies a stereotype regarding height and basketball talent.