Question

Living and working in close proximity to someone is likely to increase our liking for that person because of ____________. a. in-group/out-group bias b. the mere exposure effect c. similarity d. the out-group homogeneity effect

Short answer

b. the mere exposure effect

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concepts

First, let's understand the concepts given in the options. The in-group/out-group bias is the tendency to favor one's own group over others. The mere exposure effect states that people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. Similarity refers to having shared characteristics or beliefs, which often increases liking between people. The out-group homogeneity effect is the perception that members of an out-group are more similar than they actually are.

Analyzing Option a: In-group/Out-group Bias

This option suggests that living close increases liking due to group bias. However, the scenario does not specifically involve group identities or biases for one's own group, making this option less relevant in this context.

Considering Option b: The Mere Exposure Effect

The mere exposure effect posits that simply being exposed frequently to someone or something increases our liking for it. Living and working closely naturally increases the frequency of encounters, supporting this effect as an explanation.

Evaluating Option c: Similarity

Similarity can increase liking, but the exercise asks about proximity. While being close might increase chances of discovering similarities, it does not directly prove that similarity is the cause of increased liking by proximity.

Assessing Option d: The Out-group Homogeneity Effect

This effect involves perceptions of a group rather than individual liking due to proximity, making it unrelated to the concept of living and working closely.

Selecting the Best Answer

Considering the definitions and analyses of each option, the mere exposure effect most directly explains increased liking due to proximity, as it relies on repeated exposure rather than group dynamics or similarity.

Key concepts

In-group/Out-group Bias

Understanding how we view those within our group compared to outsiders is essential in social psychology. The **in-group/out-group bias** is a common psychological phenomenon. It refers to the tendency where individuals favor and feel more positively towards members of their own group—the "in-group"—and sometimes feel negatively or suspiciously towards those in the "out-group." This bias can surface in various areas of life, including in schools, workplaces, and social networks. Here's why it happens:

• Identity and Belongingness: Being part of a group can boost our self-esteem and give a sense of belonging, which leads to favoritism towards other group members.
• Social Comparison: We tend to compare our group against others, often putting our own group in a superior position.
• Perceived Threat: Sometimes, out-groups are seen as competitive or threatening, which can lead to bias against them.

While in-group/out-group bias doesn't necessarily apply directly to the mere exposure effect, understanding this bias helps when studying social dynamics and interactions.

Similarity

The concept of **similarity** is a core idea in understanding why we often prefer certain people over others. Similarity refers to the commonalities we share with others, such as beliefs, interests, or backgrounds. Here’s how similarity influences liking:

• Shared Experiences: Finding common ground with others through shared experiences or backgrounds can create connections and foster friendships.
• Validation and Comfort: Being around people who think like us makes us feel validated and understood, which naturally increases our liking for them.
• Predictability: Similar individuals are often more predictable, creating a sense of safety in interactions and relationships.

Although similarity can definitely play a part in increasing liking, the exercise focuses more on the effects of mere exposure. However, it is important to note that proximity can sometimes lead to the discovery of these similarities, which in turn, enhance liking even further.

Out-group Homogeneity Effect

The **out-group homogeneity effect** is another intriguing concept in social psychology. This effect is the perception that individuals within an out-group are more similar to each other than is the case, whereas there is more variation among individuals within the in-group. Several reasons are behind this effect:

• Limited Exposure: With less personal interaction with the out-group, there’s a tendency to underestimate the diversity within it.
• Simplified Processing: To manage cognitive overload, people may group and stereotype others to make sense of social environments quickly.
• Self-enhancement Bias: Seeing one’s own group as diversified allows people to feel unique and special, reinforcing positive self-view.

While useful for understanding group dynamics, this effect is not directly linked to the idea of increased liking due to proximity, making it less relevant in this context compared to the mere exposure effect.