Discrimination: Individual and Institutional (8C) - Psych & Soc

What is explicit bias in the context of individual discrimination?

Conscious, openly endorsed prejudiced attitudes. Involves deliberate acknowledgment of biases, directly influencing discriminatory actions.
What is the term for discrimination based on sexual orientation?

Heterosexism. Assumes heterosexuality as default/superior.
What is the term for intentional discrimination against a protected group?

Disparate treatment. Legal term for intentional discriminatory actions.
What is aversive racism?

Implicit negative bias with endorsement of egalitarian explicit beliefs. Conflict between conscious egalitarian values and unconscious negative associations.
What is the definition of microaggression?

Subtle, often unintentional slights that convey demeaning messages to a group. Small acts accumulate to create hostile environments.
Which option best distinguishes prejudice from discrimination?

Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is behavior. Prejudice is internal belief; discrimination is external action.
What is sexism?

Discrimination or prejudice based on sex or gender, often reinforced by institutions. Creates systematic disadvantage based on gender identity.
What is the term for a self-fulfilling underperformance triggered by fear of confirming a stereotype?

Stereotype threat. Anxiety about stereotypes impairs actual performance.
Which option best labels this: School funding tied to property taxes yields chronic underfunding.

Institutional discrimination. System-level policy creates educational inequality.
Identify the term for policies that appear neutral but disproportionately harm a protected group.

Disparate impact. Legal concept showing discrimination through outcomes, not intent.
What is classism?

Discrimination or prejudice based on social class. Reinforces socioeconomic hierarchies through biases against lower classes.
Which option best distinguishes prejudice from discrimination?

Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is behavior. Prejudice is internal; discrimination is external action.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is legally sanctioned (by law or formal policy). Latin for "by law" - discrimination written into legal code.
Identify the concept: a lender denies loans to a neighborhood largely due to racial composition.

Institutional discrimination (redlining). Historic practice denying services by race/location.
Which option best describes "disparate treatment" in discrimination law concepts used in sociology?

Intentional differential treatment of individuals by group status. Legal term for deliberate unequal treatment.
What is the definition of a self-fulfilling prophecy in discrimination contexts?

Expectations lead to behaviors that cause the expected outcome to occur. Biased expectations create their own reality through behavior.
What is the term for unequal outcomes from a neutral policy with no intent to harm?

Disparate impact. Legal term for unintentional discriminatory effects.
What is the definition of authoritarian personality as a source of prejudice?

Rigid, obedience-focused traits linked to hostility toward outgroups. Personality type correlates with prejudice and discrimination.
What is implicit bias?

Unconscious attitudes or associations that influence judgments and actions. Automatic biases operating below conscious awareness.
What is the definition of affirmative action as used in MCAT contexts?

Policies intended to increase representation of historically excluded groups. Aims to counteract past discrimination through targeted inclusion.
Which option best describes de facto discrimination: law-based or practice-based discrimination?

Practice-based discrimination (de facto), regardless of formal laws. Latin for "in fact"; occurs through customs despite equal laws.
Which option is an example of individual discrimination: a landlord refuses to rent to one group.

Individual discrimination. Personal bias enacted by one person against another.
What is the definition of racism in MCAT sociology terms?

Prejudice plus power that produces systemic advantage for a racial group. Requires both bias and structural power to create inequality.
Identify the concept: a landlord refuses to rent to an applicant because of race.

Individual discrimination. Direct person-to-person discriminatory action.
What is the term for discrimination against people with disabilities in social and institutional settings?

Ableism. Bias against those with physical/mental impairments.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: A bank uses a rule that excludes many minority applicants.

Institutional discrimination. Banking rule creates systematic barriers for minority groups.
Identify the concept: "Police stop-and-frisk policy disproportionately targets one racial group."

Institutional discrimination. Policy enforcement creates systematic racial disparities.
Which term refers to unequal treatment based on race or ethnicity?

Racial discrimination. Encompasses prejudice against any racial or ethnic group.
Identify the concept: A qualified applicant is rejected because of the interviewer's bias.

Individual discrimination. Personal bias directly affects hiring decision.
What is institutional (systemic) discrimination?

Discrimination embedded in policies, practices, or institutions. Organizational structures that systematically disadvantage groups.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination that occurs in practice without being legally mandated. "In fact" - discrimination that exists without legal backing.
What is the definition of multiculturalism as a societal approach relevant to discrimination?

Coexistence of multiple cultures with equal respect and participation. Promotes diversity as societal strength, not threat.
What is discrimination in the sociological sense as tested on the MCAT?

Unjustified negative behavior toward a group or its members. Focuses on observable actions that disadvantage groups, distinct from internal attitudes like prejudice.
Which option best describes de jure discrimination: law-based or practice-based discrimination?

Law-based discrimination (de jure). Latin for "by law"; discrimination written into legal codes.
Identify the concept: A "neutral" standardized test requirement disproportionately excludes one group from jobs.

Institutional discrimination via disparate impact. Seemingly fair policy has discriminatory effects on protected groups.
What is a stereotype (as distinguished from prejudice and discrimination)?

A generalized belief about a group and its members. Belief distinguishes stereotype from prejudice (attitude) and discrimination (behavior).
Identify the concept: "A manager refuses to hire a qualified applicant due to race."

Individual discrimination. Personal bias directly affects hiring decision.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is legally sanctioned or written into law. "De jure" means "by law" in Latin.
Identify the concept: a manager refuses to hire someone solely because of race or religion.

Disparate treatment. Intentional refusal based on protected characteristic shows explicit discrimination.
What is the difference between stereotypes and discrimination?

Stereotypes are beliefs; discrimination is differential treatment. Stereotypes are cognitive; discrimination is behavioral.
What is implicit (covert) discrimination?

Differential treatment driven by unconscious biases or automatic associations. Occurs without conscious awareness through implicit biases.
What is disparate treatment in discrimination contexts?

Intentional differential treatment of individuals based on group status. Purposeful bias in how people are treated differently.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination in practice despite legal equality. "In fact" - occurs through social practices, not law.
Identify the type of discrimination: A landlord harasses tenants because of their religion.

Individual discrimination. Personal actions targeting specific individuals.
What is implicit discrimination?

Unconscious bias leading to unequal treatment despite stated egalitarian beliefs. Occurs without conscious awareness of biased actions.
What is the term for unfair treatment based on age, often in employment contexts?

Ageism. Bias against older or younger individuals.
Which option best classifies this: A teacher consistently calls on boys more than girls in class.

Individual discrimination. Personal bias in practice, not embedded in policy.
Identify the concept: standardized test questions assume affluent cultural knowledge.

Institutional discrimination (structural bias in testing). Test design favors certain cultural backgrounds.
What is the term for self-fulfilling lowering of performance due to a negative group stereotype?

Stereotype threat. Anxiety about confirming stereotypes impairs performance.
What is racism as defined in MCAT sociology?

Belief that one racial group is inherently superior to another. Ideology justifying racial hierarchy and oppression.
What is disparate treatment in employment discrimination terminology?

Intentional differential treatment based on protected status. Conscious decision to treat protected groups differently.
Identify the concept: A hiring test unrelated to job tasks excludes one group at higher rates.

Institutional discrimination. Organizational practice creates systematic barriers.
Identify the term for a hiring policy that systematically excludes a protected group despite equal qualifications.

Institutional discrimination. Organizational policies creating group disadvantage.
What is individual discrimination in the context of MCAT sociology and psychology?

Differential treatment by an individual based on group membership. Occurs when one person treats another unfairly due to their group identity.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is legally sanctioned or mandated. "By law" - discrimination written into legal codes.
Identify the concept: "Redlining limits mortgages in a neighborhood by race."

Institutional discrimination. Banking policy creates systemic racial housing inequality.
Identify the concept: a "race-neutral" hiring test excludes a protected group at higher rates without job relevance.

Disparate impact (institutional discrimination). Neutral policy creates discriminatory outcomes.
What is disparate impact in discrimination contexts?

Unequal outcomes from a policy without requiring intent. Discriminatory effects regardless of discriminatory intent.
Which term fits: a clinician unknowingly spends less time with patients from one group?

Implicit bias. Unconscious behavior pattern indicates bias operating below awareness.
What is racism in sociological terms (as distinct from prejudice alone)?

Prejudice plus power that produces systemic advantage/disadvantage. Requires institutional power to create systemic inequality.
What is prejudice (as distinguished from discrimination)?

Unjustified negative attitude toward a group and its members. Attitude distinguishes prejudice from discrimination (behavior) and stereotype (belief).
What is the definition of social dominance orientation (SDO)?

Preference for group-based hierarchy and inequality. Psychological tendency supporting social hierarchies.
Which term names unequal treatment of similarly qualified people due to group membership?

Disparate treatment. Intentional differential treatment based on protected class.
What is stereotyping (as distinct from discrimination) in the context of intergroup relations?

Cognitive beliefs or generalizations about a group. Mental schemas about groups, not necessarily negative or acted upon.
What is prejudice?

Negative attitude or feeling toward a group and its members. Preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.
What is the definition of segregation as a form of discrimination?

Physical or social separation of groups, often unequal in resources. Forced or de facto division creating unequal access.
What is prejudice (as distinct from discrimination)?

Negative attitudes or feelings toward a group. Internal attitudes, not external actions like discrimination.
What term describes unequal outcomes produced by seemingly neutral rules (without explicit intent)?

Disparate impact. Neutral policies that disproportionately affect protected groups without intent.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination in practice despite formal legal equality. "De facto" means "in fact" - exists without legal basis.
What is sexism as defined in MCAT sociology?

Beliefs or practices that produce gender inequality. Systems of advantage/disadvantage based on gender.
Identify the type of discrimination: A standardized test systematically disadvantages low-income students.

Institutional discrimination. Creates barriers through seemingly neutral assessments that correlate with socioeconomic factors.
Identify the concept: a literacy test used to exclude a racial group from voting.

Institutional discrimination (disparate impact). Policy appears neutral but systematically excludes groups.
Identify the concept: Historical housing policy restricts mortgages to certain neighborhoods, shaping today's wealth gaps.

Institutional discrimination (structural inequality via housing policy). Past policies create lasting structural inequalities.
Identify the type: A company policy bans natural hairstyles linked to a racial group.

Institutional discrimination. Policy creates discrimination through organizational rules.
What is the definition of institutional discrimination?

Differential outcomes caused by policies or practices of institutions, regardless of intent. Emphasizes systemic patterns, not individual prejudices.
Identify the best classification: a school district funds schools via property taxes, widening racial gaps.

Institutional discrimination. Funding mechanism perpetuating educational inequities.
What is the definition of a protected class in anti-discrimination law contexts?

A group legally shielded from discrimination in specific domains. Legal categories (race, sex, etc.) protected from discrimination.
What is the definition of xenophobia as a discrimination-related concept?

Fear or hostility toward foreigners that can motivate discrimination. Often intersects with racism and nationalism.
What is the definition of in-group favoritism as a form of discrimination?

Preferential treatment of one's own group over out-groups. Giving advantages to members sharing your group identity.
What is the term for unequal access to goods, services, and opportunities across groups in society?

Social inequality. Systematic differences in resources and power.
Which term describes discrimination against people with disabilities?

Ableism. Includes physical, mental, and sensory impairments.
What is sexism in MCAT sociological terms?

Discrimination based on sex or gender, often reinforced by institutions. Unequal treatment based on gender, embedded in social structures.
Identify the term for subtle, often unintentional discriminatory acts in daily interactions.

Microaggressions. Small, everyday slights that communicate hostile or negative messages.
Identify the concept: a policy is neutral on its face but produces unequal outcomes by group.

Institutional discrimination (often via disparate impact). Facially neutral rules creating discriminatory effects.
What is individual discrimination in the context of social psychology and the MCAT?

Unequal treatment by a person toward others based on group membership. Focuses on actions by individuals rather than systems or policies.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: A company policy bans natural Black hairstyles.

Institutional discrimination. Policy affects all employees, creating systemic bias.
What is the definition of out-group homogeneity bias?

Perceiving out-group members as more similar than they are. Reduces individual differences among those outside your group.
What is stereotyping?

Generalized beliefs about members of a group. Oversimplified assumptions applied to all group members.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is legally sanctioned by laws or formal rules. Latin for "by law" - discrimination written into legal code.
Identify the concept: a standardized test requirement disproportionately excludes one group without job relevance.

Institutional discrimination. Neutral rule creates unequal outcomes by group.
Identify the type of discrimination: A company policy bans natural Black hairstyles at work.

Institutional discrimination. Embeds bias in organizational rules, disproportionately impacting specific groups systemically.
What is the defining feature of institutional discrimination compared with individual prejudice?

It operates through systemic rules and practices, not only attitudes. Embedded in structures beyond individual control.
Which option best distinguishes prejudice from discrimination?

Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is behavior. Prejudice is internal belief; discrimination is external action.
What is the term for policies that appear neutral but disproportionately harm a protected group?

Disparate impact. Unintentional discrimination through differential outcomes.
Which option best describes "disparate impact" (adverse impact)?

Neutral policy with disproportionately harmful group outcomes. Facially neutral policies with discriminatory effects.
What is out-group homogeneity bias, and why can it promote discrimination?

Perceiving out-group members as more similar than they are. Fosters discrimination by reducing empathy and justifying unequal treatment toward out-groups.
Identify the type of discrimination: Police stop drivers of one race more often due to a department quota policy.

Institutional discrimination. Department policy creates systematic racial bias.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination occurring in practice despite legal equality. Latin for "in fact" - happens in reality without legal basis.
Identify the concept: a company promotes fewer women due to a "culture fit" rule that favors men.

Institutional discrimination. Organizational culture systematically disadvantages women.
Which option best classifies this: A manager refuses to hire women for a leadership role.

Individual discrimination. One person's biased decision, not organizational policy.
Identify the concept: An institution uses a standardized test that systematically excludes a group without intent.

Institutional discrimination via disparate impact. Neutral policy creates unequal outcomes without intent.
Identify the concept: A "color-blind" policy produces unequal outcomes across racial groups.

Institutional discrimination via disparate impact. Neutral policy creates discriminatory outcomes.
What is the definition of individual discrimination?

Discriminatory actions by a person toward others based on group membership. Occurs at interpersonal level, distinct from systemic discrimination.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination that occurs in practice without legal mandate. Results from societal norms or unintended consequences, not explicit laws.
What is heterosexism?

Discrimination or prejudice favoring heterosexuality as the norm. Assumes heterosexuality as default, marginalizing non-heterosexual orientations.
What is the relationship between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination?

Stereotypes can foster prejudice, which can lead to discrimination. Sequential progression from thoughts to feelings to actions.
What is the key feature of institutional discrimination that can occur without intent?

Disparate outcomes produced by neutral-seeming rules. Policies can discriminate without explicit bias.
What is ageism?

Discrimination or prejudice based on age. Involves stereotypes and biases against older or younger individuals, affecting opportunities.
What is structural discrimination (structural inequality) as tested on the MCAT?

Systemic disadvantage produced by interacting institutions and social structures. Multiple systems combine to create unequal outcomes.
Which concept is illustrated: A neutral policy yields unequal outcomes across groups without intent?

Institutional discrimination (disparate impact). Shows unintended systemic inequality from policies not explicitly discriminatory.
What is institutional discrimination (also called systemic discrimination)?

Discriminatory outcomes produced by policies, practices, or norms in institutions. Results from organizational structures, not individual bias.
What is the "glass escalator" phenomenon?

Men in female-dominated fields are promoted more quickly. Contrasts with glass ceiling; men rise faster in nursing/teaching.
Which option best defines de facto discrimination?

Discrimination occurring in practice without legal mandate. Informal discrimination not written into law.
What is the term for a formal rule or practice that restricts opportunities for certain groups?

Institutional barrier. Systemic obstacles preventing equal access.
What is the definition of stereotype threat?

Anxiety about confirming a stereotype that impairs performance. Fear of confirming stereotypes disrupts cognitive performance.
Identify the concept: "A standardized test requirement excludes groups without job relevance."

Institutional discrimination (disparate impact). Neutral policy creates unequal group outcomes.
What is the definition of sexism in MCAT sociology terms?

Gender-based prejudice and discrimination supported by social power structures. Combines gender bias with institutional power dynamics.
Identify the concept: a teacher calls on boys more than girls without noticing.

Individual discrimination (often implicit bias-driven). Unconscious bias creates unequal classroom participation.
Identify the term for unequal treatment of a protected group by an individual interviewer.

Individual discrimination. Single person's bias in hiring, not company policy.
Which option best classifies this: A standardized test requirement excludes many disabled applicants.

Institutional discrimination. Policy creates systemic barriers, regardless of intent.
What is the term for intentional unequal treatment of a protected group by a decision maker?

Disparate treatment. Deliberate discrimination against protected classes.
What is stereotyping (as distinct from prejudice and discrimination)?

Generalized beliefs about a group's traits. Cognitive shortcuts about groups, not necessarily negative.
What is the definition of institutional discrimination?

Discrimination embedded in laws, policies, or practices of institutions. Systemic bias that persists regardless of individual intentions.
What is the definition of homophobia as a discrimination-related concept?

Prejudice or discrimination toward people who are gay or perceived as gay. Encompasses fear, hatred, and discriminatory actions.
What is the definition of sexism in the context of discrimination?

Discriminatory beliefs or actions based on sex or gender. Can manifest individually or institutionally.
What is discrimination in the social psychology sense relevant to MCAT 8C?

Behavior that disadvantages people based on group membership. Actions that harm or exclude based on social category membership.
What is the term for unequal treatment that is intentional and targeted at a protected group?

Disparate treatment. Intentional discrimination with deliberate differential treatment.
What is discrimination in the MCAT social science context?

Differential treatment of people based on group membership. Unfair actions based on social category, not individual merit.
What is prejudice, and how does it differ from discrimination?

Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is behavior. Prejudice is internal beliefs; discrimination is external actions.
Identify the concept: A manager refuses to hire applicants with a certain ethnic-sounding name.

Individual discrimination (explicit). Direct, intentional bias by an individual decision-maker.
Which option best indicates institutional discrimination: biased hiring policy or one rude employee?

Biased hiring policy. Policies are institutional; individual employees represent personal discrimination.
What is the key feature of a hate crime, compared with a non-bias crime?

Criminal act motivated by bias toward a protected identity. The perpetrator targets victims based on protected characteristics.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: a police officer stops drivers more often based on race stereotypes.

Individual discrimination. Personal bias drives differential treatment.
Which option best distinguishes stereotypes from discrimination?

Stereotypes are beliefs; discrimination is differential treatment. Stereotypes are cognitive; discrimination is behavioral.
Identify the concept: a teacher expects lower achievement from a group and student outcomes decline accordingly.

Self-fulfilling prophecy (Pygmalion effect). Expectations shape reality through differential treatment.
Identify the term: historical and ongoing disadvantages that persist through institutions.

Structural inequality. Systemic barriers perpetuating group disadvantages.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is legally sanctioned or written into law. "By law" - discrimination explicitly written in legal code.
Which option best indicates prejudice rather than discrimination: believing a group is lazy, or refusing to serve that group at a restaurant?

Believing a group is lazy. Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is action.
Identify the concept: a standardized test requirement reduces hiring of a protected group without intent.

Disparate impact. Neutral rule creates unequal outcomes without discriminatory intent.
What is the key difference between individual and institutional discrimination?

Individual is person-to-person; institutional is embedded in systems. Individual stems from personal biases, while institutional is ingrained in societal norms and policies.
What is discrimination in the social-psychological sense (as tested on the MCAT)?

Unjustified negative behavior toward a group or its members. Behavior is the key distinction from prejudice (attitude) and stereotype (belief).
What is redlining as an institutional discriminatory practice?

Denying loans/insurance based on neighborhood racial composition. Geographic discrimination in financial services.
What key feature distinguishes institutional discrimination from individual discrimination?

Institutional discrimination is systemic and policy-based, not person-specific bias. Individual acts are personal; institutional acts through formal structures.
What is a microaggression?

Subtle, often unintentional act or comment that conveys bias. Brief, everyday slights that communicate hostile messages.
Which option best labels this: A landlord refuses to rent to a family due to ethnicity.

Individual discrimination. Personal prejudice drives discriminatory housing decision.
Identify the type of discrimination: A manager refuses to hire an applicant because of race.

Individual discrimination. One person's biased decision, not company policy.
What is the term for a policy that is neutral on its face but has unequal outcomes for groups?

Disparate impact. Unintentional discrimination through neutral policies.
Identify the concept: unequal outcomes persist even without biased individuals due to rules and norms.

Institutional discrimination. Systems perpetuate inequality without individual intent.
Which option best describes institutional discrimination: a landlord refuses to rent to a family due to race, or a bank policy yields higher denial rates for one race?

A bank policy yielding higher denial rates for one race. Policy creates unequal outcomes without individual intent.
What is a microaggression in the study of discrimination?

Subtle, often unintentional comment or behavior conveying derogatory bias. Small acts that communicate hostile or negative attitudes.
What is implicit bias in the context of individual discrimination?

Unconscious attitudes that influence judgments and behavior. Operates automatically, affecting decisions without awareness, leading to discriminatory outcomes.
Identify the term for subtle, often automatic discriminatory slights in everyday interactions.

Microaggressions. Brief, commonplace indignities that communicate hostile messages.
Which option best describes a self-fulfilling prophecy in discrimination contexts?

Expectations shape behavior, causing the expected outcome to occur. Biased expectations create conditions for their fulfillment.
Identify the term for intentional unequal treatment of a protected group by decision-makers.

Disparate treatment. Requires proving discriminatory intent, unlike disparate impact.
Identify the concept: a teacher consistently calls on male students more than female students.

Individual discrimination. Personal bias affecting classroom participation.
What is the key feature of a hate speech incident, compared with a hate crime?

Biased expression not necessarily involving a criminal act. Verbal attacks without physical violence or property damage.
What is in-group favoritism, and how does it relate to discrimination?

Preferential treatment of one's in-group over out-groups. Contributes to discrimination by allocating resources favorably to one's own group.
What is the definition of racism as a sociological concept on the MCAT?

Beliefs or practices that produce racial inequality through prejudice and power. Combines prejudicial attitudes with societal power to create systemic harm.
What is the definition of implicit bias?

Automatic, unconscious associations that influence judgment and behavior. Operates below conscious awareness, affecting decisions.
Identify the type of discrimination: A landlord shows fewer apartments to immigrants than to citizens.

Individual discrimination. Demonstrates personal discriminatory actions in service provision based on group status.
What is the definition of a microaggression as used in discrimination research?

Subtle, often unintentional slights toward a marginalized group. Communicates hostile or derogatory messages, often subtly, reinforcing systemic oppression.
What is the "glass ceiling" as a form of discrimination?

Invisible barriers limiting advancement of marginalized groups. Metaphor for unseen barriers to upward mobility.
Identify the concept: A company requires "no gaps in employment," excluding many caregivers.

Disparate impact. Neutral rule disproportionately affects women caregivers.
What is explicit discrimination?

Conscious, intentional unequal treatment based on group membership. The discriminator is aware of and deliberately acts on bias.
What is de facto discrimination?

Discrimination occurring in practice, even without explicit discriminatory laws. Latin for "in fact" - discrimination exists in reality, not law.
Which term names unequal outcomes from a neutral policy, without needing intent?

Disparate impact. Legal term for discriminatory effects without proven intent.
What is individual discrimination (individual-level discrimination)?

Discriminatory behavior by individuals toward other individuals. Occurs at a personal level, reflecting direct interactions without systemic involvement.
Identify the concept: "I support equality," but behavior shows discomfort and avoidance of an out-group.

Aversive racism. Mismatch between stated values and actual behavior reveals unconscious bias.
Which option best reflects explicit bias: unconscious association or stated belief of superiority?

Stated belief of superiority. Explicit means conscious and openly expressed.
Identify the type of discrimination: A bank policy disproportionately denies loans to one race.

Institutional discrimination. Policy creates unequal outcomes systematically.
Which option best indicates institutional discrimination: biased person A, or biased hiring rule?

Biased hiring rule. Rules affect many; individual bias affects fewer people.
Which option best describes individual discrimination: a teacher tracks students by test scores that correlate with neighborhood, or a manager denies promotion due to sex?

A manager denies promotion due to sex. Personal decision based on protected characteristic.
What term describes unequal treatment that is intentional and explicitly based on group membership?

Disparate treatment. Intentional discrimination explicitly based on protected characteristics.
What is the definition of ableism?

Discrimination against individuals with disabilities or perceived disabilities. Includes physical, mental, and sensory impairments.
What is explicit (overt) discrimination?

Conscious, intentional differential treatment based on group membership. Perpetrator is aware of and intends the discriminatory act.
What is discrimination in the MCAT sociology context?

Unjust treatment of individuals based on group membership. Differs from prejudice by involving actions, not just attitudes.
What is the term for unequal outcomes caused by unequal access to resources rather than individual intent?

Institutional/structural discrimination. Systems create inequality without individual malice.
Identify the term for a hiring test that systematically screens out one group despite intent neutrality.

Institutional discrimination. Test itself creates disparate impact, regardless of intent.
Which option best defines intersectionality in analyzing discrimination?

Overlapping identities create unique, combined disadvantages. Multiple marginalized identities compound discrimination.
Which concept best explains how past institutional discrimination continues to affect outcomes today?

Structural inequality. Historical discrimination creates ongoing disadvantages.
What is ableism?

Discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities. Perpetuates barriers assuming inferiority due to disabilities, limiting access and inclusion.
What is stereotyping as distinguished from prejudice and discrimination?

Generalized belief about a group applied to individuals. Involves cognitive overgeneralization, serving as a foundation for prejudice and subsequent discrimination.
What is the definition of segregation in sociological terms?

Physical or social separation of groups, often by race or ethnicity. Creates distinct spaces and opportunities for different groups.
Identify the term for institutional discrimination that persists without explicit prejudice.

Structural (systemic) discrimination. Embedded in social structures beyond individual prejudice.
Identify the concept: Police practices lead to higher stops of a minority group despite neutral written policy.

Institutional discrimination (de facto). Practice differs from policy, creating systemic bias.
What is residential segregation in the context of institutional discrimination?

Systematic separation of groups into different neighborhoods. Housing patterns that isolate racial/ethnic groups.
What is residential segregation as a discrimination-related concept?

Physical separation of groups across neighborhoods due to policy and social forces. Systematic geographic separation reinforces inequality.
What is individual discrimination?

Discriminatory actions by individuals toward others. Person-to-person bias enacted through behaviors.
What is the term for the cumulative, lifelong health effects of chronic discrimination-related stress?

Allostatic load. Chronic stress from discrimination causes physiological wear.
What is the key distinction between individual and institutional discrimination?

Individual is person-to-person; institutional is policy/system-level. Individual acts between people; institutional acts through systems.
Which option best describes a policy that is neutral on its face but produces unequal outcomes by group?

Institutional (de facto) discrimination. Neutral policy with discriminatory effects = institutional bias.
What is institutional discrimination (structural discrimination)?

Systemic policies or practices that disadvantage certain groups. Arises from organizational structures that perpetuate inequality, often unintentionally.
Which term describes discrimination based on sex or gender?

Sexism. Includes bias against any gender, not just women.
Identify the type: A landlord refuses to rent to someone because of race.

Individual discrimination. One person discriminating against another person directly.
What is the definition of racism used in MCAT sociology/psychology contexts?

Beliefs or practices that produce racial inequality and hierarchy. Encompasses systemic ideologies maintaining racial disparities beyond individual acts.
Identify the term for differential treatment based on race by an individual in a one-on-one interaction.

Individual discrimination. Person-to-person bias in direct interactions.
Which concept refers to actions or behaviors that disadvantage a group: prejudice or discrimination?

Discrimination. Actions have tangible effects, unlike attitudes alone.
Which term refers to unequal treatment based on group membership, intentional or not?

Discrimination. Encompasses actions or policies leading to unequal treatment, regardless of deliberate intent.
What is the definition of discrimination (as distinct from prejudice)?

Unjustified behavior or differential treatment toward a group or its members. Actions based on bias, while prejudice is the underlying attitude.
What is disparate impact (adverse impact)?

Neutral policy that disproportionately harms a protected group. Facially neutral rules create unequal outcomes.
What is discrimination in the sociological sense relevant to MCAT 8C?

Unjustified negative actions toward a group or its members. Focuses on harmful actions, not just attitudes or beliefs.
What is the modern racism concept most aligned with subtle, indirect discrimination?

Aversive racism. Egalitarian values conflict with unconscious negative feelings.
What is racism in MCAT sociology terms?

Prejudice plus power that produces racialized inequity. Requires systemic power, not just individual prejudice.
What is the key difference between prejudice and discrimination?

Prejudice is attitude; discrimination is behavior. Attitudes are internal; behaviors are external actions.
What is prejudice as distinguished from discrimination on the MCAT?

Negative attitude or feeling toward a group and its members. Represents an affective component, involving emotions or biases, unlike behavioral discrimination.
Which option best defines de jure discrimination?

Discrimination enforced by law or explicit legal policy. Legally sanctioned unequal treatment (e.g., Jim Crow).
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of discrimination?

Expectations elicit behaviors that make the expectation come true. Biased expectations shape others' behavior to confirm the original expectation.
Which term describes discrimination based on age?

Ageism. Often targets both young and elderly individuals.
Which option best classifies this: A bank policy denies loans in specific neighborhoods by ZIP code.

Institutional discrimination. Redlining is classic institutional discrimination example.
What is individual discrimination (interpersonal discrimination)?

Biased actions by an individual toward another person. One person's prejudiced behavior toward another individual.
What is the definition of individual discrimination?

Differential treatment by a person toward an individual based on group membership. Focuses on actions by individuals, not systems or institutions.
Identify the type of discrimination: A manager refuses to hire women for leadership roles.

Individual discrimination. Reflects personal bias in decision-making, directly affecting individuals without systemic policy.
What is the term for discrimination based on the overlap of multiple social identities?

Intersectionality. Multiple identities (race + gender) compound discrimination.
Identify the type: A standardized test requirement disproportionately excludes one group.

Institutional discrimination (often via disparate impact). Neutral rule creates unequal outcomes across groups.
What is disparate treatment in employment discrimination analysis?

Intentional differential treatment of individuals based on protected status. Direct discrimination with intent to treat differently.
What is the term for a self-fulfilling mechanism where awareness of a stereotype impairs performance?

Stereotype threat. Fear of confirming negative stereotypes hurts performance.
What is structural discrimination (structural inequality) as used in sociology?

Societal-level systems that systematically advantage some groups over others. Broader than institutional; includes all societal mechanisms of inequality.
What is the "glass escalator" and which groups is it typically applied to?

Men in female-dominated fields receive faster promotion/advancement. Privilege in advancement despite minority status in field.
What is stereotype threat as it relates to discrimination and performance?

Performance impairment from fear of confirming a negative stereotype. Anxiety about confirming stereotypes reduces performance.
What is discrimination in the MCAT sociological sense?

Differential treatment of people based on group membership. Focuses on unequal actions based on social categories.
What is explicit bias?

Conscious, self-reported attitudes or beliefs about a group. Deliberate biases one is aware of and can articulate.
What is disparate impact and which level of discrimination does it most often indicate?

Neutral policy with unequal outcomes; typically institutional discrimination. Facially neutral practices create discriminatory effects.
What is internalized racism or internalized oppression?

Adoption of negative beliefs about one's own group. Accepting dominant society's negative views of one's group.
What is individual discrimination in the context of MCAT sociology and psychology?

Differential treatment by one person toward another based on group identity. Occurs at interpersonal level between individuals.
What is the definition of stereotype?

A generalized belief about members of a group, applied to individuals. Oversimplified group traits applied to all members.
What is the term for unequal treatment of individuals due to membership in multiple marginalized groups?

Intersectionality. Overlapping identities create unique discrimination experiences.
What is institutional discrimination (structural discrimination)?

Policies or practices that systematically disadvantage a group. Organizational rules creating unequal outcomes for groups.
Identify the concept: A person endorses equality but still shows biased behavior due to automatic associations.

Implicit bias. Unconscious associations contradict conscious egalitarian beliefs.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: A landlord denies rental to a family due to religion.

Individual discrimination. Personal prejudice drives the discriminatory housing decision.
What is the definition of discrimination in the context of social psychology and sociology?

Unjustified differential treatment of people based on group membership. Distinguishes from prejudice by focusing on unfair actions, not just attitudes.
Which option best distinguishes prejudice from discrimination?

Prejudice is an attitude; discrimination is an action or behavior. Key distinction: internal feeling vs. external action.
Which term describes discrimination based on sexual orientation?

Heterosexism. Assumes heterosexuality as the norm and superior.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: a hospital lacks interpreter services, reducing care quality for non-native speakers.

Institutional discrimination. System-level barrier affects group access to services.
Which option best distinguishes prejudice from discrimination?

Prejudice is an attitude; discrimination is a behavior. Prejudice is internal feelings; discrimination is external actions.
What is racism in MCAT sociological terms?

Prejudice plus power producing systemic disadvantage by race. Combines biased beliefs with social power to create racial inequality.
Identify whether this is individual or institutional discrimination: A manager refuses to hire women.

Individual discrimination. One person's biased decision, not organizational policy.
What is discrimination in social psychology as tested on the MCAT?

Behavioral actions that disadvantage individuals based on group membership. Actions (not attitudes) that create unequal treatment based on group identity.
What is sexism in the context of discrimination?

Discrimination or prejudice based on sex or gender. Targets individuals based on gender roles or expectations, contributing to broader inequality.
What is the term for discrimination based on a person being transgender or gender nonconforming?

Transphobia. Fear/hatred of trans and gender-diverse people.
What is intersectionality in the context of discrimination?

Overlapping identities create unique, compounded discrimination. Multiple identities (race, gender) interact to intensify bias.
What is de jure discrimination?

Discrimination that is enforced by law or official policy. Involves formal legal enforcement, contrasting with informal practices.
What is the key distinction between individual and institutional discrimination?

Actor intent is central in individual, not required in institutional. Individual requires intent; institutional can be unintentional.
What is the key feature that distinguishes institutional discrimination from individual discrimination?

It persists through formal rules or routine practices, independent of one person. Institutional bias continues even if individuals change.
What is the definition of assimilation as it relates to minority responses to discrimination?

Adopting the dominant culture and relinquishing the original cultural identity. Contrasts with integration, which maintains cultural identity.
Which option best labels a bank practice of denying loans to certain neighborhoods regardless of applicant merit?

Institutional discrimination (redlining). Systematic denial of services based on geography, not merit.
What is microaggression?

Everyday subtle verbal or behavioral slights toward a marginalized group. Small, often unintentional acts that communicate hostile or negative messages.
Which option best distinguishes individual from institutional discrimination?

Individual is person-level behavior; institutional is system-level policy/practice. Individual acts at micro level; institutional operates at macro level.
What is institutional discrimination?

Discrimination embedded in laws, policies, or institutional practices. Systemic bias built into organizational structures.
What is discrimination in the social sciences, as tested on the MCAT?

Differential treatment of individuals based on group membership. Unequal treatment based on social category membership.
Identify the type of discrimination: A school uses a biased test for admissions across all applicants.

Institutional discrimination. Test systematically disadvantages certain groups.
Identify the concept: A student performs worse after being reminded of a stereotype about their group.

Stereotype threat. Stereotype awareness triggers anxiety and impairs performance.
Which concept refers to individual attitudes or beliefs that can lead to discrimination: prejudice or discrimination?

Prejudice. Prejudice is the attitude; discrimination is the behavior.
What is prejudice (as distinct from discrimination) in the context of intergroup relations?

Negative attitudes or feelings toward a group and its members. Internal feelings/emotions, distinct from discriminatory behaviors.
What is the definition of explicit bias?

Conscious, self-reported attitudes that can guide deliberate behavior. Aware attitudes that can be controlled and reported.
What is the definition of scapegoat theory as a source of prejudice?

Blaming a disadvantaged outgroup for problems to reduce frustration. Displaced aggression targets vulnerable groups unfairly.
What is individual (interpersonal) discrimination?

Direct discriminatory actions by one person toward another. Person-to-person biased treatment based on group membership.
Identify the best classification: a clinician under-treats pain due to biased beliefs about a group.

Individual discrimination. Healthcare provider's personal bias affecting treatment.
What is a stereotype, and how does it differ from discrimination?

Stereotype is belief; discrimination is unequal treatment. Stereotypes are cognitive generalizations about groups.
Identify the concept: an interviewer rates a candidate lower after seeing a disability disclosure despite equal qualifications.

Individual discrimination. One person's biased decision affects another directly.
What is the definition of ageism?

Discrimination or prejudice based on age. Often targets both young and elderly populations.
What is microaggression?

Subtle, often unintentional slights that convey demeaning messages. Brief, everyday indignities targeting marginalized groups.
What is the "glass ceiling" and what type of discrimination does it illustrate?

Invisible promotion barrier; institutional discrimination in workplaces. Metaphor for unseen barriers preventing upward mobility.
What is discrimination in the social sciences, as tested on the MCAT?

Unjustified differential treatment based on group membership. Focuses on differential treatment, not just attitudes or beliefs.
What is sexism in MCAT sociology terms?

Gender-based prejudice and discrimination supported by power structures. Systemic gender inequality, not just individual bias.
What is the definition of racism as used in MCAT sociology discussions of discrimination?

Beliefs or practices that produce racial inequality, often via power structures. Emphasizes systemic nature beyond individual prejudice.
Which option is an example of institutional discrimination: a bank policy yields fewer loans to one group.

Institutional discrimination. Organizational practice creating unequal group outcomes.

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