When asked whether they want to view information supporting or opposing their viewpoint, people who have just expressed their views on various topics prefer to view information supporting their positions. Which of the following best accounts for this finding?
A) brainwashing
B) self-perception theory
C) overconfidence effect
D) selective exposure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This finding can be explained by selective exposure, which is the tendency of individuals to seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and attitudes while avoiding information that contradicts them. This phenomenon can lead to confirmation bias, where people only expose themselves to information that supports their beliefs, and ignore or reject information that challenges them.

When Asked Whether They Want to View Information Supporting or Opposing