Beth and Jean are talking about welfare reform in America. Beth is very passionate about the issue, and makes strong statements about her views. Jean later e-mails Beth an article which contains some information that is consistent with Beth's views, as well as some information that is inconsistent with Beth's views. Beth chooses to believe the consistent information but discounts the inconsistent information. As a matter of fact, after reading the article and thinking about the data it contained-even though these data were mixed-Beth actually feels even more passionate and more strongly about her position. This is an example of ____.
A) anchoring and adjustment
B) informational influence
C) attitude polarization
D) cognitive coping

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of attitude polarization, where exposure to mixed information leads to a strengthening of prior attitudes, rather than a change in attitudes. Beth's selective processing of information that confirms her existing views is a cognitive bias that contributes to attitude polarization.

Beth and Jean Are Talking About Welfare Reform in America