Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN Degree) Practice Exam

The term that refers to negative judgments about a group based on their characteristics is indeed prejudice. Prejudice involves preconceived opinions or attitudes, often negative, towards individuals based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics, without sufficient knowledge or consideration of individual merit. It reflects an unfair and biased evaluation of an entire group rather than acknowledging the diversity and individuality within that group.

Stereotypes categorize people based on simplistic and generalized beliefs that do not account for individual differences but do not necessarily involve a negative judgment. Ethnicity refers to the shared cultural characteristics of a group, such as language, traditions, and heritage, rather than a judgment about them. Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture or ethnic group, which can lead to viewing other cultures as inferior but does not specifically denote negative judgments about a group based on their characteristics.