Which of the following terms describes preconceived negative attitudes toward a group?

The term that best describes preconceived negative attitudes toward a group is prejudice. Prejudice refers to an unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual based solely on their membership in a social group. This concept encompasses the emotional responses and preconceived notions regarding that group, leading to a generalized viewpoint that is often irrational and unfounded.

Discrimination involves the behaviors and actions that result from these prejudiced attitudes, manifesting as unfair treatment towards individuals based on their group identity. Stereotype pertains specifically to the oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group, which may not necessarily include a negative connotation; it can be neutral or positive as well. Bias reflects a tendency to favor one perspective over another but does not inherently capture the negative, preconceived nature of attitudes towards a group like prejudice does. Thus, while all these concepts relate to social attitudes, prejudice specifically encapsulates the negative preconceived attitudes toward a group.