After arguing with her boyfriend over the telephone, Roberta smashes down the receiver and then throws the phone
Across the room. This behavior most clearly demonstrates
A) the weapons effect.
B) displacement.
C) instrumental aggression.
D) Parkinson's second law.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Roberta's behavior is an example of displacement, which is the redirection of negative emotions or impulses towards a less threatening or more available target. In this case, she is unable to express her anger towards her boyfriend, so she directs it towards the phone. The weapons effect refers to the tendency for the presence of a weapon to increase aggression, instrumental aggression is aggression that is aimed at achieving a goal, and Parkinson's second law refers to the idea that work expands to fill the time available for its completion and is not relevant to this scenario.

After Arguing with Her Boyfriend Over the Telephone, Roberta Smashes