Question

a farmer in eastern washington had to fly in 300 workers from jamaica this spring so he would have workers to pick his crops. he advertised the jobs in his area, but only seven people applied. yet many people in this area say that mexicans are taking their jobs, and that they should all go home. this is an example of:

a. fundamental attribution error.

b. out - group theory.

c. scapegoat theory.

d. group theory.

Explanation:

Scapegoat theory involves blaming an out - group (here, Mexicans) for one's own problems (lack of available workers or job - related frustrations) even when there's no valid basis. In this case, locals are blaming Mexicans for job issues while the farmer had to bring in workers from Jamaica as locals didn't apply, fitting the scapegoat theory. Fundamental attribution error focuses on internal attributions for others' behavior, out - group theory is a broader concept about attitudes towards out - groups, and group theory is about group dynamics, none of which fit as well as scapegoat theory here.

Answer:

C. scapegoat theory.