Suppose that a local government is considering a construction project that will cost tax payers a large amount of money.Residents have strong views on both sides of the debate.In an attempt to educate the public,the city arranges several informational sessions in which the pros and cons of the project are discussed.Which result is consistent with the psychological literature?
A)Residents' original attitudes toward the project would be strengthened by attending the informational sessions.
B)Residents' original attitudes toward the project would be weakened slightly by attending the informational sessions.
C)The majority of the residents would change their minds after hearing evidence on both sides of the debate.
D)The informational sessions would have no effect whatsoever on residents' attitudes toward the project.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Attending informational sessions where both sides of an argument are presented can lead to attitude polarization, where individuals' pre-existing views become more extreme. This phenomenon is consistent with the psychological literature on belief perseverance and confirmation bias, where people interpret new information in a way that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs.

Suppose That a Local Government Is Considering a Construction Project