In one well-known study on empathy, participants had to watch a confederate receive electric shocks. Some participants were told that they had to watch 10 full trials of shocks, while others were told that they could leave after watching the first two trials. One set of participants were also told that their values and interests were similar to those of the confederate (similar group) , while another set were told that their values and interests were different from those of the confederate (dissimilar group) . After the first two trials had been completed, participants were asked whether they would switch places with the confederate-who was apparently very upset by the shocks due to a negative childhood experience with electricity. Which group almost never agreed to switch places?

A) The 10-trial high-similarity group
B) The 10-trial low-similarity group
C) The two-trial high-similarity group
D) The two-trial low-similarity group

Question

Phoenix Jiang · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  Participants in the two-trial low-similarity group almost never agreed to switch places because they knew they could leave soon and felt less empathy or connection with the confederate due to being told their values and interests were different.

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