Which term describes an often-negative prejudgment based on characteristics such as race or age that is not necessarily reasonable or logical?

• A. Stereotypes
• B. Discrimination
• C. Prejudices
• D. Explicit bias

Answer: (C)

Prejudice describes an often-negative prejudgment about someone based on characteristics like race or age, and it isn’t necessarily grounded in reason or evidence. It’s an attitude or feeling toward a group, formed in advance and shaping how you think about and may treat individuals. This distinction matters: stereotypes are generalized beliefs about a group (they can be true or false, positive or negative); discrimination is the action of treating people unfairly because of group membership; explicit bias is a conscious attitude that can influence behavior. The question highlights a preconceived judgment that isn’t logically justified, which is the essence of prejudice.