AP Psychology – Social Psychology Practice Test

The correct term that describes a negative attitude toward a group and its members is "prejudice." Prejudice refers specifically to the preconceived, often unfavorable opinions or feelings directed toward a person or group based solely on their membership in that group. It can manifest as feelings of dislike, hostility, or aversion.

In the context of social psychology, prejudice is an affective response, meaning it involves emotions and attitudes that can lead to harmful stereotypes or discriminatory behavior. It plays a significant role in how individuals perceive and interact with others from different backgrounds, influencing social dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Other terms listed, such as discrimination, refer to the behavior that arises from prejudiced attitudes, where negative actions are taken against members of a group. Stereotypes involve generalized beliefs about a group that can lead to oversimplification and misunderstanding, while ingroup bias refers specifically to the tendency to favor one’s own group over others. While these concepts are interconnected in discussions of social behavior, "prejudice" uniquely captures the essence of a negative attitude directed at a group.