Public Hearings Are Being Held to Discuss Whether a New

question 51

Multiple Choice

Public hearings are being held to discuss whether a new nuclear power plant should be built. An expert on nuclear plants testifies that modern safeguards make the plant secure from dangerous accidents. A local woman states that she knows nothing about nuclear power, but the idea of having a plant nearby frightens her and her children. Which of the two parties has the most immediate ability to change attitudes of the audience? Considering the sleeper effect, what will likely happen over time?

• A) The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes, and his influence will be maintained even weeks later.
• B) The expert will have the most ability to change attitudes, but his influence will decrease over time as the woman's argument gains force.
• C) Because the local woman is most like the other people in the meeting, her opinion will have the most immediate influence, but over time the expert's opinion will gain force.
• D) The woman's opinion will be more likely to influence the audience initially, and her influence will extend into the future.

---

Definitions:

Amygdala

A brain structure that influences motivation, emotional control, fear responses, and interpretation of nonverbal, emotional expressions.

Central Nervous System

This refers to the part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and the spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting neural signals.

Stress-Related Networks

Systems or pathways within the body or mind that are activated or affected by stress, impacting health and behavior.