Sample MCAT Question - Stereotypes, Prejudice, & Discrimination
The phrase “boys will be boys” is sometimes used to uphold the idea that it is normal for men to be more aggressive than women. This is an example of:
a) Gender discrimination
b) Gender stereotype
c) Gender prejudice
d) Gender bias
Get 1-on-1 MCAT Tutoring From a Specialist
With MCAT tutoring from MedSchoolCoach, we are committed to help you prepare, excel, and optimize your ideal score on the MCAT exam.
For each student we work with, we learn about their learning style, content knowledge, and goals. We match them with the most suitable tutor and conduct online sessions that make them feel as if they are in the classroom. Each session is recorded, plus with access to whiteboard notes. We focus on high-yield topics if you're pressed for time. If you have more time or high-score goals, we meticulously cover the entire MCAT syllabus.
Stereotypes, Prejudice & Discrimination for the MCAT
Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination are interconnected facets of social psychology that profoundly influence our perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward others. Here's what you need to know about these three concepts for the MCAT.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes are oversimplified generalizations about a group of people. They can be about race, gender, age, or any other factor. For example, one might stereotype French people as snobbish or pretentious. Women might be stereotyped as being more emotionally intelligent. However, these are unjustified cognitive labels as they do not apply to every member of a group
Prejudice
Prejudice is an individual's preconceived feelings and attitudes toward a group. Typically, prejudice refers to a negative belief that is unjustifiable. For example, a sexist individual has a particularly intense dislike for members of the other sex, is prejudiced against that sex.
Discrimination
Discrimination is carrying out specific negative actions, targeted against a particular group based on an individual's prejudices. Unlike stereotypes and prejudice, discrimination implies that behavior is being carried out directly against the particular members of a targeted group. For example, someone prejudiced against old people might discriminate against them by choosing to only hire young people.
Explore More
MCAT Masterclass Chapters
Take a closer look at our entire MCAT Masterclass or explore our lessons below.
-
Confirmation & Hindsight Bias - MCAT Psychology
View Subject -
Language Development - MCAT Psychology
View Subject -
Overconfidence vs Underconfidence Effect - MCAT Psychology
View Subject -
Adler & Individual Psychology - MCAT Psychology
View Subject -
Brain Areas That Control Speech- MCAT Psychology
View Subject -
Types of Sensory Receptors - MCAT Psychology
View Subject
