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:

Nobel Prize

Prestigious awards given annually across various categories, including Peace, Literature, and various sciences, recognizing significant achievements.

Government Expenditures

Total spending by the government on goods, services, and public projects, including salaries of public servants, social programs, and infrastructure projects.

Distortions

Refers to alterations or imperfections in economic market conditions that lead to inefficient resource allocation and outcomes.

Consumption

Spending by households on goods and services, with the exception of purchases of new housing.