Which of the following is a characteristic of prejudice?

Prejudice is an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason, and it is primarily based on stereotypes and irrational judgments rather than factual experiences. Therefore, the idea that prejudice can lead to discrimination based on unfounded beliefs aligns perfectly with its definition. When individuals hold prejudiced views, those beliefs can manifest in behaviors that discriminate against others, which highlights the harmful societal impacts of holding such biases.

In contrast, the assertion that prejudice is based on factual experiences and observations distorts the nature of prejudice, as it is often built on misconceptions rather than empirical evidence. The notion that prejudice can be easily changed with new information also contradicts its deep-rooted nature; changing one's prejudiced views generally requires significant cognitive and emotional work. Lastly, suggesting that prejudice is a universal trait observed in all societies overlooks the complexity and variability of social attitudes across different cultures and contexts. Prejudice may vary greatly in expression and form, making it not a blanket characteristic found uniformly across all societies. This understanding of prejudice emphasizes its role as a psychological construct that can contribute to social discord when unfounded beliefs lead to discriminatory actions.