An audience member zeroes in on one particular comment the speaker makes because it confirms her stereotypes and prejudices about the nation's religious leaders. Which concept does this reflect?
A) sharpening
B) oversimplifying
C) offensive listening
D) leveling

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sharpening refers to the tendency of listeners to focus on certain details, often at the expense of others, which can lead to a distorted understanding of the message. In this case, the audience member zeroes in on a comment that confirms her biases, exemplifying the concept of sharpening by selectively attending to information that aligns with her preconceptions.

An Audience Member Zeroes in on One Particular Comment the Speaker