Popular Wisdom Is Often Contradictory, as with the Following Two

question 44

Multiple Choice

Popular wisdom is often contradictory, as with the following two sayings: 1) "opposites attract" and 2) "birds of a feather flock together." Research on the relationship between similarity and liking suggests that

• A) #1 is more accurate; people tend to be more attracted to those who are dissimilar from themselves.
• B) #2 is more accurate; people tend to be more attracted to those who are similar to themselves.
• C) both are right for different people; heterosexual men tend to be attracted to similar others whereas gay men tend to be attracted to dissimilar others.
• D) both are right in different conditions; people are attracted to similar others when they are interested in long-term relationships, but they prefer dissimilar others for less serious relationships without commitment.

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Definitions:

Rival Nation

A country that competes with another, often in economic, military, or technological aspects.

Mercantilism

An economic theory and practice that promotes government regulation of the nation's economy to increase state power at the expense of rival national powers.

Trade Surplus

A situation where a country's exports exceed its imports over a given period.

Sovereign Country

An independent state that possesses full self-government and is not controlled by another state.