Question

Suppose a group of people read an article on capital punishment. Prior to reading the article, 60% of the members of the group were opposed to capital punishment, while 40% of the members of the group were in favor of capital punishment. According to studies of human decision-making, which of the following is likely?
a. The members of the group would elect a representative in favor of capital punishment.
b. After reading the article, all members of the group are in favor of capital punishment.
c. After reading the article, all members of the group oppose capital punishment.
d. After reading the article, 60% of the members of the group are opposed and 40% of the members of the group are in favor of capital punishment.

Answer 1

Answer:

According to studies of human decision-making, the most likely is:

c. After reading the article, all members of the group oppose capital punishment.

Explanation:

The article, provided for reading by supporters and opposers, will likely sway the 40% of the group, who are initially supportive of capital punishment, to now oppose capital punishment,especially if the article critically opposes capital punishment.  There is no way majority of the group will support capital punishment.  Therefore, options a and b are incorrect.  For option d, after reading the article, the opinions of some opposers and supporters may shift either way.  They will not remain the same as before.  This rules out option d, leaving only option c as the correct option.