SPY - Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination Lesson

Learning Target:

  • Describe processes that contribute to the differential treatment of group members.

AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2020. (n.d.). https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf

Bias                                                                                      

Bias is a systematic error in the way we perceive, evaluate, or interpret information. It can arise from a variety of sources, Bias Discrimination Prej.png including personal beliefs, social norms, cognitive shortcuts, or emotional factors. Bias can affect our judgments and decision-making processes in subtle and sometimes unconscious ways.

Bias can begin with our pre-existing attitudes and beliefs, which can influence how we perceive and interpret information. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs. Another source of bias is social norms and stereotypes, which can influence our perceptions of individuals or groups. Cognitive shortcuts, or heuristics, can also lead to bias. Emotional factors can also influence our judgments and decision-making processes.

Prejudice

Prejudice describes negative attitudes, beliefs, and feelings toward an individual based solely on membership in a group. It builds on the notion that members of other social groups are quite different from our own. Prejudice is not limited to racial or ethnic groups, but also includes the elderly, homosexuals, women, the disabled, and religious groups.  

Key Points to Remember:

1. Racial and ethnic groups are far more alike than different.

2. Differences between groups are smaller than the differences among members of the same group.

Discrimination

Discrimination is a term used in psychology to refer to the differential treatment or unjustified negative behavior toward individuals or groups based on their membership in a particular social category. Discrimination can be based on a variety of characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Discrimination can be expressed in many ways, from overt acts of aggression to more subtle forms of bias and prejudice.

Discrimination can have a range of negative effects on individuals and groups, including emotional distress, reduced opportunities for education and employment, and decreased access to healthcare and other resources. Discrimination can also contribute to social inequality and can perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice.

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