Final answer:
A doctor diagnosing a homosexual individual with AIDS based on sexual orientation and not medical facts exemplifies an illusory correlation, a bias where a perceived but nonexistent relationship between two variables results in prejudicial and discriminatory behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
A doctor diagnosing a homosexual individual with AIDS solely based on sexual orientation, without medical history to support it, exemplifies a case of an illusory correlation. This refers to the phenomenon where a perceived relationship exists between two variables that are, in fact, not related. In this scenario, the doctor is making an assumption based on the stereotype that HIV/AIDS and homosexuality are linked, despite this link being a historic misconception rather than a factual medical correlation.
The manifestation of illusory correlations, such as this, often leads to prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behavior. This can be fueled by confirmation bias, where an individual looks for evidence to support preconceived notions while ignoring evidence to the contrary. The pervasive nature of this error in judgment can be attributed to the availability heuristic, where one relies on information most readily at hand (often stereotypes) rather than a comprehensive examination of facts.
It's important to be aware of these bias types and actively work against them, especially in professional settings like healthcare, where misjudgments can have severe consequences for individuals. Ensuring decisions are based on factual information and comprehensive medical histories, rather than unfounded associations or stereotypes, is essential to ethical medical practice.