Inmany cases, prejudice stems from the unknown. As individuals, we tendto migrate toward those who may look like us, act like us, and thinklike us. As a result, it may be difficult for us to open our mindsand embrace those whose values, beliefs, and overall sense of selfdiffer from our own.

Forthis assignment, compose a paper that is three to four pages inlength. In your paper, discuss the impacts of prejudice, stereotypes,and discrimination in the context of social psychology. Be sure toaddress the following points:

1.Define and describe the following terms: prejudice, stereotype,discrimination, and ingroup vs. outgroup. Based on your ownexperiences in the social world, can you relate to any of theseterms? Do you identify with a particular term? Why or why not?

2.Examine the social, cognitive, and societal origins of prejudice andstereotypes. Be sure to include specific information regardingcategorization, such as ingroup favoritism and the outgrouphomogeneity effect, norms, competition for resources, and socialinequalities. Of the categories presented, which do you think are themost significant in our society and in your particular community?

3.Analyze the influences that promote stereotyping, and offerstrategies to reduce prejudice. What are the consequences ofstereotyping and discrimination? Who does this behavior hurt, and inwhat ways does it hurt them? Are we inadvertently creatingself-fulfilling prophecies in our society? If so, how can we takesteps to improve attitudes, judgments, and behaviors?

Yourpaper must include an introduction, a thesis statement, and aconclusion. Your completed assignment should be three to four pagesin length (excluding title and reference pages), include a minimum ofthree references, and follow APA guidelines as outlined in theAshford Writing Center.