Question

Britney believes that exposure to violent television increases aggressive behavior by making people’s own aggressive thoughts more accessible. Christina believes that violent television increases aggressive behavior by impairing people’s cognitive abilities, which in turn makes them worry less about the consequences of their behavior as well as more likely to have aggressive thoughts. If we knew that violent television indeed increases aggressive behavior but knew nothing else on this topic, which of the two theories should we prefer?​

Answer 1

Answer: Probably, one would prefer to believe in the first theory, since this person is particular has no previous knowledge on the topic and the first theory seems easier to understand. Shorter and less complex statements might be more trusted by layman people, because they are more straighforward on the point that is being discussed. For the same person to believe in the second theory, it would demand more explanations on cognitive theories and how do they affect our understanding of violent scenarios, therefore being not so simple to understand.