Public hearings are being held to discuss whether a new nuclear power plant should be built.An expert on nuclear plants testifies that modern safeguards make the plant secure from dangerous accidents.A local woman speaks and states that she knows nothing about nuclear power, but the idea of having a plant nearby frightens her and her children.Which of the two parties has the most immediate ability to change the attitudes of the audience, and which psychological principle related to persuasion explains why?
A)The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes due to the principle of authority.
B)The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes due to the principle of liking.
C)The local woman will have the most ability to change attitudes due to the principle of reciprocity.
D)The local woman will have the most ability to change attitudes due to the principle of scarcity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expert on nuclear plants is more likely to have the most immediate ability to change attitudes due to the principle of authority. This is because people are more likely to listen to those who are perceived to be experts or authority figures in a certain field. The expert's testimony about the modern safeguards at the plant would carry more weight than the local woman's emotional reaction to the idea of having a plant nearby.

Public Hearings Are Being Held to Discuss Whether a New