Final answer:
The 'what-is-beautiful-is-good' stereotype may hold some truth due to self-fulfilling prophecies, where people treated favorably due to their attractiveness may act in ways that reinforce the stereotype.The correct option is: A. the mere exposure effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to stereotypes and human cognition, specifically referencing the 'what-is-beautiful-is-good' stereotype. Any truth that may be associated with this stereotype could be the result of self-fulfilling prophecies. A self-fulfilling prophecy is an expectation that causes you to act in ways that make that expectation come true. When we hold stereotypes about a person, we might treat them according to those stereotypes, and this can influence the person to behave in ways that confirm our expectations.
For instance, if someone is considered physically attractive, they might be treated more favorably, and as a result, they might develop more confidence and social skills, which can lead to actual improved outcomes in certain situations, such as job interviews or social interactions. Over time, these experiences can confirm the initial stereotype that attractive people possess certain positive qualities, even though the stereotype may not be inherently true.
In comparison, confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, which can certainly contribute to reinforcing stereotypes, but it is not the primary driver in the 'what-is-beautiful-is-good' stereotype scenario.The correct option is: A. the mere exposure effect.