Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a function of prejudice?

1. Proprietary claims

2. Discrimination

3. Stereotyping

4. Bias in decision-making

The correct answer is: Proprietary claims

Proprietary claims are not typically considered a function of prejudice. Prejudice involves preconceived opinions or judgments about individuals or groups, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, or other social identifiers. The functions of prejudice primarily center around negative attitudes and behaviors toward those perceived as different. Discrimination refers to the action taken based on prejudiced beliefs, such as the unfair treatment of individuals based on their group membership. Stereotyping involves oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group, leading to assumptions about individuals within that group. Bias in decision-making demonstrates how prejudiced views can influence the judgments and choices individuals make, often resulting in unequal treatment. While proprietary claims might involve assertions of ownership or rights to property, they do not inherently relate to the prejudiced attitudes or discriminatory behaviors that characterize the other options presented. This distinction is crucial for understanding how prejudice functions within social contexts, making proprietary claims unrelated to the core functions of prejudice.