When David Taylor Infiltrated the Heaven's Gate Cult, He Observed

question 25

Multiple Choice

When David Taylor infiltrated the Heaven's Gate cult, he observed that new members did not endorse all of the beliefs of the group, but the strength of their endorsement increased the longer they were in the cult. What is the most appropriate conclusion that can be drawn from the Balch and Taylor study?

• A) Joining the cult led members to eventually believe even the most extreme ideas.
• B) Becoming a cult member caused a person to believe at least some of the cult's ideas.
• C) The beliefs of cult members were caused by their cult experience.
• D) Greater acceptance of the cult's beliefs was related to being in the cult for a longer period of time.

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Definitions:

Alternate Personalities

An aspect of dissociative identity disorder where a person exhibits two or more distinct and alternating personalities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world.

Repetitive Strange Utterances

The occurrence of repeatedly saying unusual or nonsensical phrases, often associated with certain psychiatric or neurological conditions.

Active Mode

Refers to a state or condition of being engaged in activity or operation, often used in technology and psychology contexts.

Hilgard's Study

Reference to Ernest Hilgard's research, particularly known for his theory on the "hidden observer" as a demonstration of the power of the subconscious mind during hypnosis.