Steph reads an anti-drinking ad in the student newspaper that states, "Students at this school, on average, only drink three drinks per week." She typically drinks no alcoholic beverages per week, but after seeing the ad she starts consuming more because she is "below average." Steph is exhibiting the __________.
A) reactance principle
B) boomerang effect
C) idea of reverse psychology
D) exceptions as to when normative social influence works

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steph is exhibiting the boomerang effect, where an attempt to persuade someone to do something actually leads them to do the opposite. In this case, the ad stating that the average student only drinks three drinks per week may have made Steph feel abnormal for not drinking at all, leading her to increase her alcohol consumption.

Steph Reads an Anti-Drinking Ad in the Student Newspaper That