Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about prejudice is NOT TRUE?

1. Involves making assumptions about an individual

2. It can have either positive or negative feelings attached to it, but negative prejudice is the most common type

3. It is closely related to oppression

4. It does not affect individuals of various genders, races, financial situation, and religions

The correct answer is: It does not affect individuals of various genders, races, financial situation, and religions

The statement indicating that prejudice can have either positive or negative feelings attached to it is true, as some individuals may hold favorable biases toward certain groups while still embodying negative attitudes toward others. However, while it is acknowledged that positive prejudice exists, it is indeed much more common for prejudice to manifest in negative forms, typically characterized by stereotyping and discrimination. The assertion that prejudice does not affect individuals across various genders, races, financial situations, and religions is a misconception. Prejudice can, in fact, impact individuals from all backgrounds, demonstrating its pervasive nature in society. Additionally, the relationship between prejudice and oppression highlights the systemic issues resulting from these biases. The statement that involves making assumptions about individuals accurately captures the essence of prejudice, as it fundamentally revolves around preconceived notions based on group identity. In summary, the chosen answer is deemed correct as it conflates the existence of positive prejudice with a generalization that sidelines the more prevalent negative forms and neglects to acknowledge the wide-reaching impacts of prejudice across diverse demographics.