How can Bill's behavior be explained in terms of psychology?
Why did Bill yell at his kids after being overlooked for a raise at work?
a) Frustration-aggression principle
b) Fundamental attribution error
c) Bystander effect
d) Foot-in-the-door phenomenon
e) Mere exposure effect
Answer:
Bill's actions can best be explained in terms of the frustration-aggression principle.
Explanation:
Bill's actions can best be explained in terms of the frustration-aggression principle. According to this principle, when a person is unable to achieve a desired goal or outcome, they may become frustrated, which can lead to aggressive behavior. In this case, Bill was frustrated about not getting a raise at work, and he redirected his anger and frustration towards his kids at home. This behavior can be seen as a displaced aggression, where the aggression is directed towards a target that is perceived as less threatening or easier to express anger towards.
The frustration-aggression principle suggests that when individuals are frustrated or prevented from achieving a goal, they are more likely to become aggressive, even if the source of frustration is different from the target of aggression. In Bill's case, his disappointment at work led to his aggressive behavior towards his children at home.
Other related psychological phenomena include:
- Fundamental Attribution Error: Overemphasizing internal factors for other people's behavior rather than external factors.
- Bystander Effect: People are less likely to intervene in a crisis situation when others are present.
- Foot-in-the-Door Phenomenon: Compliance with a small request leading to compliance with a larger request.
- Mere Exposure Effect: Developing a preference for something simply because it is familiar.