You participate in a study where you meet four other students and work one-on-one with each on a series of activities (i.e., first you are paired with one student, then with a second, etc.). After each activity, you overhear your partner talking to the experimenter about you. According to research by Aronson and his colleagues, which of the students will you like more?
A) Kenisha, who likes you at the beginning of the study and still likes you at the end of the study
B) Will, who likes you at the beginning of the study but not at the end of the study
C) Jamie, who doesn't like you at the beginning of the study but likes you by the end of the study
D) Jose, who doesn't like you at the beginning of the study and still doesn't like you at the end of the study

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Aronson's research, participants tend to like individuals more if they initially disliked them but later came to like them. This is known as the "gain-loss theory," where gaining someone's approval after initially receiving disapproval is seen as more rewarding than consistently receiving approval. Therefore, Jamie is the best choice as they initially didn't like you but ended up liking you.

You Participate in a Study Where You Meet Four Other