According to Robert Zajonc, it is adaptive to be cautious around unfamiliar objects and people, and to be more open to familiar stimuli and individuals. This is the hypothesized basis for the
A) attraction formation effect
B) mere exposure effect
C) foot-in-the-door effect
D) pursuant effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mere exposure effect is the phenomenon where individuals tend to develop a preference for familiar stimuli over unfamiliar stimuli. It is said to be the result of Robert Zajonc's theory that being cautious around unfamiliar stimuli is adaptive, and being more open to familiar stimuli is also adaptive.

According to Robert Zajonc, It Is Adaptive to Be Cautious