Sally considered herself to be relatively liberal in her political and social views. Her best friend introduced her to an environmental activist group. At the first meeting she attended, Sally agreed with everything that was presented and decided to join at the second meeting. At the second meeting, however, a group member presented an argument that Sally thought was "extreme." Sally later told her friend that she could never join this group because their ideas were "crazy." Which theory would best explain Sally's change of attitude?
A) theory of cognitive dissonance
B) social judgment theory
C) balance theory
D) self-perception theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social judgment theory explains Sally's change of attitude because it involves the perception and evaluation of an idea by comparing it with current attitudes. Sally initially agreed with the group's ideas, but upon hearing an "extreme" argument, she judged it against her own beliefs and found it too far from her own position, leading to her decision not to join.

Sally Considered Herself to Be Relatively Liberal in Her Political