Final answer:
d) Exposure
Selective exposure is the act of focusing on messages that align with existing attitudes and beliefs while ignoring contradictory messages, and the answer is 'exposure.' It is part of the broader concept of confirmation bias, which affects how we perceive and interact with information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selective exposure is defined as paying attention to messages that are consistent with one's attitudes and beliefs and ignoring messages that are inconsistent. The correct answer is d) Exposure.
This concept is part of a wider psychological tendency where individuals prefer information that reinforces preexisting views, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
Confirmation bias influences a person's decision-making process by focusing attention on information congruent with their beliefs while discounting evidence that challenges these beliefs.
For example, when we seek out information that supports our stereotypes, we are engaging in confirmation bias. This bias can manifest in various situations, such as ignoring data that contradicts our opinions or placing greater value on evidence that seems to support our preconceptions.