ENGLISH 9 (3rd Quarter)

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Differentiate Bias from Prejudice

Biases and prejudices are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings.

Bias:
Definition: Bias refers to a tendency or inclination towards a particular perspective, idea, or group of
people that may result in unfair judgments or decisions. It can be based on personal experiences,
cultural influences, or societal norms.

Example:
Imagine you have a favorite sports team, and you believe it is the best team in the world. If
you always think positively about your team and ignore their faults, that's a bias. Your bias might
prevent you from seeing the strengths of other teams or acknowledging when your team doesn't
perform well.

Prejudice:
Definition: Prejudice involves preconceived opinions or judgments about a person or group of
people without proper knowledge or understanding. It often leads to unfair and negative attitudes or
actions based on stereotypes.

Example:
Let's say you meet someone new at school, and you hear a rumor that they are not good at
sports. If you immediately assume they won't be a good friend because of this rumor, that's prejudice.
You're making a judgment about their abilities without giving them a chance to show who they really
are.

Types of Bias

1. Confirmation Bias:
- Definition: The tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs or values.
- Example: If someone believes that a particular type of exercise is the best, they might only seek
out and pay attention to information that supports this view, ignoring evidence that suggests other
forms of exercise could be just as effective.

2. Stereotyping:
- Definition: Making assumptions about individuals or groups based on generalized characteristics
or beliefs.
- Example: Assuming that all teenagers are lazy because of stereotypes associated with their age
group.

3. Availability Bias:
- Definition: Relying on readily available information, often recent or vivid examples, rather than
seeking out comprehensive and balanced information.
- Example: Believing a certain city is dangerous because of a recent crime story in the news, even
though statistically it may be a safe place.

4. Halo Effect:
- Definition: Forming an overall positive or negative impression of a person based on one specific
trait or characteristic.
- Example: Assuming someone is intelligent and kind simply because they are physically
attractive.

5. Anchoring Bias:
- Definition: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when
making decisions.
- Example: Deciding on the price you're willing to pay for a gadget based on its initial listed price,
regardless of its actual value.

6. In-Group Bias:
- Definition: Favoring and giving preferential treatment to individuals who belong to the same
group as you.
- Example: Preferring classmates from your own school over those from a rival school, even if you
don't know them personally.

7. Overconfidence Bias:
- Definition: Believing in one's own abilities and judgments more than is objectively warranted.
- Example: Thinking you'll perform exceptionally well on a test without adequate preparation.

8. Conformity Bias:
- Definition: Adjusting one's behavior or opinions to align with the majority in a group, even if it
goes against personal beliefs.
- Example: Going along with a popular fashion trend even if you don't personally like it, just to fit
in with your peers.

Types of Prejudice

1. Racial Prejudice:
- Definition: Making judgments or forming opinions about someone based on their race or
ethnicity.
- Example: Assuming that a person is lazy or unintelligent solely because of their racial
background.

2. Gender Prejudice:
- Definition: Holding biased views about individuals based on their gender.
- Example: Believing that girls are not as good at math as boys or that boys shouldn't show
emotions.

3. Age Prejudice (Ageism):


- Definition: Discriminating against individuals based on their age, often stereotyping people from
different age groups.
- Example: Thinking that older people are not tech-savvy or assuming that younger people lack
experience and wisdom.

4. Religious Prejudice:
- Definition: Having preconceived notions or negative attitudes towards individuals based on their
religious beliefs.
- Example: Stereotyping someone as close-minded or judgmental because of their religious
affiliation.
5. Social Class Prejudice:
- Definition: Judging people based on their socio-economic status or class.
- Example: Assuming that someone from a lower socio-economic background is lazy or less
capable.

6. Educational Prejudice:
- Definition: Forming opinions about individuals based on their level of education or academic
achievements.
- Example: Believing that someone without a college degree is less intelligent or capable.

7. Appearance Prejudice:
- Definition: Making judgments about people based on their physical appearance.
- Example: Assuming that someone who dresses differently is not trustworthy or competent.

8. Nationality or Ethnic Prejudice:


- Definition: Holding biased views about individuals based on their nationality or ethnic
background.
- Example: Believing in stereotypes about a particular nationality, such as assuming all people
from a certain country have the same personality traits.

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