Which term matches an unfounded belief about a group that can lead to discrimination?

• A. Stereotype
• B. Bias
• C. Empathy
• D. Prejudice

Answer: (D)

Prejudice is an unfounded attitude about a group that can lead to discrimination. It’s a judgment formed without solid evidence, often negative, toward people who share a group identity. That attitude can then influence how someone acts toward members of that group, resulting in discriminatory treatment or policies. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs about group traits and can feed prejudice, but they’re not themselves the attitude that drives discriminatory behavior. Bias is a tendency to favor or disfavor related to a group, and empathy is the ability to understand others’ feelings, which is the opposite of prejudice.