Which of the following findings has been MOST frequently interpreted as evidence for scapegoat theory?

A) The finding that people often state that they are not prejudiced against certain groups but display prejudice when they are assessed indirectly
B) Hovland and Sears's finding that-in the southern United States, between 1882 and 1930-there was a statistically significant correlation between the market price of cotton and the frequency of interracial lynching incidents
C) Sherif's finding-based on his research with two groups of 11-year-old boys camping at Robber's Cave-that the groups became prejudiced against one another when required to compete but friendly toward one another when required to work together to achieve common goals
D) Tajfel's finding that ingroup favoritism occurs even when people are randomly assigned to groups and have no prior attachment to them

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Brittany Reese · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  Hovland and Sears's research showing a correlation between economic downturns (as indicated by the price of cotton) and increased racial violence (lynchings) in the southern United States supports scapegoat theory. This theory suggests that when people experience hardship or frustration, they may blame and take out their aggression on less powerful, innocent groups.

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