Professor DeVeaux Reads an Essay in Which a Student Argues

question 52

Multiple Choice

Professor DeVeaux reads an essay in which a student argues in favor of full nuclear war to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Initially she thinks, "Whoa, what an extremist!" Then she recalls that the student had been assigned to advocate nuclear war as part of the assignment. Why would Professor DeVeaux still be likely to view the student as a political extremist?

• A) Although she adjusted her beliefs, she did not adjust them enough to fully account for the power of the situation.
• B) Because, as research has shown, people who put extreme beliefs in writing tend to actually believe in them more strongly
• C) Clearly this student is an extremist, as demonstrated by the essay he or she wrote.
• D) She has already formed a stereotype about this student and will have difficulty adjusting it quickly.

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Definitions:

Community Mental Health Centre

A facility that provides mental health services, including therapy and counseling, to people in a local area.

Deinstitutionalization

Refers to the process of reducing the use of large, institutional facilities for people with mental health issues in favor of community-based mental health care services.

Severe Mental Illness

A term referring to a group of psychiatric disorders that significantly interfere with one’s ability to function in daily life.

Homeless Population

Individuals or groups of people who lack stable, safe, and adequate housing.