A resident in a small town attempts to persuade the local government officials to add fluoride to the town's drinking water by circulating a study showing the benefits of fluoride on dental health and the high percentage of medical professionals and scientists who support its inclusion in drinking water supplies.What basic psychological principle is the resident using to persuade the local government officials?
A)Consistency
B)Authority
C)Consensus
D)Liking

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resident is using the consensus principle to persuade the local government officials. This principle states that people are more likely to believe something if they know that others believe it as well. In this case, the resident is citing a study that shows that a high percentage of medical professionals and scientists support the inclusion of fluoride in drinking water supplies. This is likely to make the local government officials more likely to believe that fluoride is beneficial and to add it to the town's drinking water.

A Resident in a Small Town Attempts to Persuade the Local