Partial Research Report about Prejudice

Running head: PARTIAL RESEARCH REPORT ABOUT PREJUDICE 1
Partial Research Report about Prejudice

PARTIAL RESEARCH REPORT ABOUT PREJUDICE 2
Abstract
Prejudice is considered to be an inappropriate attitude towards a distinct individual
based exclusively on their membership of an individual of a societal group that is often
considered to be associated with a negative aspect. In other words, an individual might
prejudice his or her views regarding a particular gender or race. A prejudiced individual
might avoid acting on their attitude. Prejudice is largely influenced by social norms that are
regarded appropriate for social groups. The individuals who are provided with the
opportunity to affirm are mostly less prejudiced. The following research report aims to focus
on ageism, its theory in order to have proper and better knowledge or understanding.
Additionally, the paper also concentrates more on the contact theory and thereby focuses on
the previous researches about ageism and contact theory. It also emphasizes the methodology
part and what type of materials and procedures have been used.

PARTIAL RESEARCH REPORT ABOUT PREJUDICE 3
Introduction
Psychology refers to the knowledge of behavior and mind comprising sensible and
insensible phenomena as well as thought and emotion. In addition, the psychologists discover
behavior and mental procedures containing cognition, intelligence, perception (Heider, 2013).
The term prejudice is a form of human behavior which needs to be considered by
psychologists (Lucas, 2009). Ageism is undesirable behavior which arises as an outcome of
the certainty that older individuals are of less importance than younger people. In addition,
ageism is very common phraseology and age studies generally refers to undesirable
discriminatory practices in contradiction of old persons, individual in their middle years,
children and teenagers. Moreover, the term ageism is also known as age discrimination
actually refers to when somebody treats an individual dishonestly because of the age. It can
also thereby involve the way that older persons are characterized in the media that in turn can
have a broader influence on the attitude of the public. The term ageism can also have a
positive viewpoint like when the attributes of age are being estimated
advantageous.According to Simpson &Yinger (2013), ageism can be purposeful, meaning a
thoughtful procedure of thought and accomplishment to stereotype constructed on age.
Ageism is very important because it is common for the world for dividing themselves into
numerous age groups for the objective of assigning rights and accountabilities. As opined by
Pettigrew (2008), the contact theory or the contact situation comprises of informal, personal
communication with outgroup associates. In addition, quality contact more than quantity
contact was related with rises in outgroup helping goals.
Literature Review
The contact theory is highly prevalent in the fields of sociology, criminology and
Psychology. This theory lays emphasis upon mediating the disputes that arise between