Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of less powerful people compared to powerful people?
A They are less able to think abstractly.
B They are more likely to avoid risks.
C They are less assertive.
D They are more optimistic
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. They are more optimistic.
Explanation:
In social psychology, research suggests that less powerful individuals tend to exhibit certain psychological and behavioral traits that differ from those of more powerful individuals. However, optimism is generally not a characteristic associated with those in lower power positions. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
- A. They are less able to think abstractly: Research shows that people with less power are often more focused on concrete, immediate issues rather than long-term or abstract ideas. This is due to the fact that they are concerned with their immediate survival or maintaining their current situation, which can limit their ability to think abstractly.
- B. They are more likely to avoid risks: Those with less power typically exhibit a higher aversion to risk because they have more to lose. They are often in a position where the cost of failure is much higher, and they may not have the resources to recover from a mistake. This caution can lead them to avoid taking chances.
- C. They are less assertive: People with less power are often less assertive due to a lack of confidence and fear of the consequences of speaking up. Being less assertive is a common trait among those in lower power positions, as they may worry about authority figures or fear being judged.
- D. They are more optimistic: Contrary to what one might expect, less powerful individuals are generally less optimistic compared to those with more power. Research has shown that people in lower power positions may feel more stressed, anxious, or uncertain about the future, leading to a more pessimistic outlook. In contrast, more powerful individuals often have a sense of control over their circumstances, which can contribute to higher optimism.
Thus, the characteristic of being more optimistic is typically seen in those with more power, not less.