Which term describes making a judgment about someone before knowing them, often negative?

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

Answer: (A)

Prejudice is the mindset being tested here. It describes forming an unfavorable judgment about someone before you know them, and that judgment is typically negative. It’s an attitude, a feeling or belief you hold about a person or group without direct evidence or experience.

This differs from a stereotype, which is a generalized belief about a group—one that can influence how you view someone but isn’t by itself the mental judgment you hold about a specific individual. Bias is a broader inclination or tendency, which can be positive or negative and may operate unconsciously. Discrimination, on the other hand, is the behavior that results from prejudiced attitudes or biased views—actually treating people differently. The question’s focus on making a judgment ahead of time, especially in negative terms, points to prejudice as the best fit.