Which term refers to showing prejudice toward an individual or group based on categories of characteristics?

The term that most accurately refers to showing prejudice toward an individual or group based on categories of characteristics is discrimination. Discrimination involves actions or behaviors that treat people unfairly based on specific attributes such as race, gender, age, or other identifiers. It encompasses both personal biases and systemic practices that result in unequal treatment.

In contrast, while stereotyping refers to oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group, and bias indicates a tendency to favor or oppose something or someone, discrimination specifically entails the actions taken based on those biases or stereotypes. Prejudice, while related, primarily encompasses the attitudes or beliefs held without necessarily resulting in action, whereas discrimination specifically refers to the harmful actions taken as a result of those prejudiced beliefs.