Mia and Bailey Are Both Exposed to a Virus That

question 73

Multiple Choice

Mia and Bailey are both exposed to a virus that causes the common cold when they are studying for finals with their friend Katie. Bailey has been experiencing more negative stress events in her life than Mia. Based on research completed by Cohen, Tyrrell, & Smith (1991, 1993) , Cohen et al. (2008) and Marsland, Bachen, & Cohen (2012) , what is the likelihood that Mia and Bailey will get a cold?

• A) Bailey is more likely to get a cold because her immune system is weakened due to stress.
• B) Bailey and Mia have an equal likelihood of getting a cold because the immune system is not affected by stress.
• C) Mia is more likely to get a cold because Bailey's immune system has been strengthened in response to the higher levels of stress to which she has been exposed.
• D) Neither Bailey nor Mia are likely to get the cold because both them have strengthened immune systems since they are both experiencing the stress associated with studying for final exams.

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Definitions:

Selective Perception

The psychological process by which individuals perceive what they want to in media messages while ignoring opposing viewpoints.

Selective Exposure

The tendency of individuals to prefer information that supports their pre-existing beliefs and values, avoiding contradictory evidence.

Selective Comprehension

The process by which people interpret information in a way that conforms to their pre-existing beliefs and attitudes, often leading to biased understanding.

VALS System

A psychographic tool used by marketers to classify consumers into eight distinct types based on their values, attitudes, and lifestyles.