Question

Prejudice is supported by the human tendency to categorize into in-groups and out-groups. Prejudice is supported by which of the following processes?

• A. The way we think about others
• B. The way we assign meaning to others behaviour
• C. By following intellectual pursuits
• D. By working towards a common goal

Hint:

Prejudice is maintained by stereotypes and attribution biases, but reduced by cooperative intergroup goals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Prejudice and cognitive processes.
Prejudice arises when people form biased attitudes toward members of out-groups. It is strongly influenced by the way we think (stereotypes) and interpret others’ behavior.

Step 2: The way we think about others (A).
This refers to cognitive schemas and stereotypes. Categorization leads to “us versus them” thinking, reinforcing prejudice. Hence, (A) is correct.

Step 3: The way we assign meaning to others’ behaviour (B).
Attributional biases (e.g., blaming out-groups for negative actions) reinforce prejudice. Hence, (B) is also correct.

Step 4: Eliminating incorrect options.
- (C) Following intellectual pursuits is unrelated to prejudice.
- (D) Working towards a common goal reduces prejudice (contact hypothesis), not support it.
Thus, prejudice is supported by (A) and (B).