Final answer:
Prejudice is a preconceived judgment not based on personal experience, often arising from overgeneralized stereotypes that lead to discrimination, which is prejudiced behavior. It is important for individuals to recognize their biases and seek out education and diverse interactions to combat prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on actual experience or personal knowledge. The development of prejudiced attitudes is often influenced by stereotypes, which are oversimplified and generalized beliefs about members of a group. While prejudice and discrimination are related concepts, they are different in that discrimination involves actions towards an individual based on their group membership. It's important to understand that prejudice is not inherent but taught, and what we learn can be unlearned through education and positive interactions with diverse groups.
Experience can sometimes reinforce prejudiced beliefs, as individuals might interpret actions that align with their existing stereotypes as confirmation of those beliefs. This is known as confirmation bias. On the other hand, discriminatory behavior, such as the denial of a PhD to Mary Whiton Calkins because of her gender, is an action that stems from negative attitudes towards a certain group. Combating prejudice requires us not only to be aware of our own potential biases but also to engage with and learn about those who are different from us.
In the context of job interviews, factors such as a candidate's dress, age, or gender can certainly influence an interviewer's opinion if prejudice and stereotypes are at play. It is critical for interviewers to be vigilant against allowing these factors to unduly influence their assessments of candidates' qualifications.