According to social cognitive theory, how is prejudice viewed?

• A. As an innate trait
• B. As an attitude acquired through direct instruction, modeling, and social influences
• C. As an unmodifiable characteristic
• D. As a legal construct

Answer: (B)

Prejudice is understood as a learned attitude shaped by social cognitive processes. People pick up biased beliefs through direct instruction from parents, teachers, or peers, and by observing others’ prejudiced behaviors and the rewards or penalties that follow. This learning happens within a social environment—family, friends, media, culture—that sets norms and models for what counts as acceptable or normal. Because attitudes form from these experiences, they aren’t innate or fixed; they can be strengthened or challenged as new information, experiences, or positive intergroup contact occur. In this view, prejudice isn’t something given at birth or a legal category, but a pattern that can change with shifts in social influence and learning.