Bram just made a negative comment about Katie's best friend. Below are four attributions that Katie might make for Bram's comment. Which one is likely to increase the likelihood that the two will have an argument?
A) "He didn't really mean it; he's probably just had a hard day."
B) "I'm really surprised he said that; it's not at all like him to be so rude."
C) "He deliberately said that to annoy me; he knows how important she is to me."
D) "This is all my fault; he never would have said that if I hadn't insulted his friend first."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option C implies that Bram intentionally made the negative comment to upset Katie, which is likely to increase the tension and likelihood of an argument. The other options offer explanations or excuses for Bram's behavior, which may diffuse the situation rather than escalate it.

Bram Just Made a Negative Comment About Katie's Best Friend