Final answer:
Prejudice is negative feelings or attitudes towards individuals based on their group membership, not personal experience. This can result in discrimination, which are actions taken against a group due to prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prejudice refers to negative thoughts, feelings, or attitudes someone holds about a group that are not based on personal experience, but rather on preconceived notions. Thus, the answer to the student's question is option a) Having negative feelings about a group of people or its members. The roots of prejudice can be found in stereotypes, which are oversimplified beliefs about a group of people. Prejudice can lead to discrimination, which is the behavior that manifests from these biased thoughts.
Examples of prejudice include a negative attitude toward non-natives or the belief that one race is inherently superior to another. This phenomenon often leads to discrimination, where individuals are treated unfairly or oppressed because of their group membership. Discrimination has had a profound impact on the course of history, as evidenced by legislation based on race, ethnicity, and other traits.