Police Sergeant Practice Exam

What term describes making a judgment before or independently of relevant facts?

1. Bias

2. Prejudice

3. Stereotyping

4. Discrimination

The correct answer is: Prejudice

The term that describes making a judgment before or independently of relevant facts is "prejudice." Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes toward a person or group that are not based on actual experience or reason. This often involves making sweeping generalizations or decisions about someone without having adequate knowledge of their circumstances or characteristics. Prejudice can impact decision-making negatively, particularly in law enforcement, as it can influence how officers perceive and interact with individuals from different backgrounds, leading to unfair treatment or misjudgments. Understanding this concept is crucial for police personnel, as it highlights the importance of awareness and reflection in judgment to ensure fairness and equity in interactions with the community. Bias, stereotyping, and discrimination are related concepts, but they do not specifically address the idea of making a judgment devoid of relevant facts. Bias refers to a tendency to favor one group or viewpoint over others, stereotyping involves generalizing characteristics or behaviors to all members of a group, and discrimination refers to actions taken against individuals based on prejudiced beliefs.