Merry is normally a very quiet person who remains somewhat quiet during conversations and social settings. Merry is also the reigning national debate club champion. According to the Trait Activation Theory, what happens to Merry at competitions?
A) She becomes highly narcissistic and is rude to the other competitors.
B) Being at the competition causes Merry to draw on normally unused traits.
C) Merry stops pretending to be shy.
D) Being at the competition causes Merry to internalize.
E) Merry wins by not saying much.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Trait Activation Theory, being in a competitive setting such as a debate competition can activate certain traits that are not typically displayed in day-to-day settings. In Merry's case, this could mean that she draws on traits such as competitiveness, assertiveness, and confidence that may not be as visible in her quieter, more reserved persona. This would allow her to excel in the competition setting despite her normally quiet nature.

Merry Is Normally a Very Quiet Person Who Remains Somewhat