Question

Kiara, a high school student, is an avid supporter of the practice of meditation and yoga. She starts a school club for yoga and meditation thinking there are many students like her who believe in the health benefits of such practices. On the contrary, only a few students share her beliefs and join the club. Which of the following is best exemplified in this scenario?Multiple Choice
a) the group polarization effect
b) the mere exposure effect
c) the fundamental attribution error
d) the false consensus effect

Answer 1

Answer:

D). The false consensus effect.

Explanation:

False consensus effect is demonstrated as the 'cognitive bias' that involves augmentation or overestimation of the beliefs or values shared by people. In such effect, people tend to overestimate that their beliefs are the beliefs shared by the majority of people. They find to perpetuate a false belief that their beliefs are in consensus with the majority and over motivate themselves.

In the given question, Kiara's situation demonstrates 'false consciousness effect' as she escalates her thoughts to be the predominant thought and begin a 'school club for yoga and meditation' which is contradicted as 'very few students share common thoughts'. This contradiction exemplifies that she falsely overestimated her thought or belief to be the belief of the masses. Thus, option D is the correct answer.