Why Did Participants in an Experiment Conducted by Berscheid and Her

question 177

Multiple Choice

Why did participants in an experiment conducted by Berscheid and her colleagues (1968) derogate their victims when they thought they would switch roles with the victims and receive shocks themselves? In this case, participants __________.

• A) reasoned that the victim would have a chance to even the score
• B) believed they needed to justify their cruel behaviors
• C) experienced maximal dissonance and convinced themselves that the victim deserved it
• D) chose to become a victim too, in order to make the situation fairer

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Definitions:

Cash Basis

A method of accounting where revenue and expenses are recognized only when cash is received or paid, respectively.

T-account

A visual representation used in accounting to depict the debit and credit sides of accounts, helping in the preparation and understanding of double-entry accounting systems.

Discontinued Operations

Components of a business that have been sold or otherwise disposed of, or that are classified as held for sale, with their results reported separately in financial statements.

Tax Effects

The impact of taxes on an entity’s financial statements, including the calculation of tax liabilities or assets.