Question

question 7 of 10
alex always got great presents for his birthday. but on his last birthday he was disappointed when he only got a pink bunny suit. this is an example of:

a. hierarchy of needs.

b. the adaptation - level principle.

c. the learned optimism theory.

d. the relative deprivation theory.

Explanation:

The adaptation - level principle states that people's judgments of a stimulus (like a birthday present here) are relative to their previous experiences. Alex was used to getting great presents, so when he got a pink bunny suit (which was not up to his previous standard of great presents), he was disappointed. The hierarchy of needs (A) is about a pyramid of human needs. Learned optimism theory (C) is about developing an optimistic explanatory style. Relative deprivation theory (D) is about feeling deprived relative to others, not one's own past experiences. So the adaptation - level principle best explains Alex's disappointment.

Answer:

B. the adaptation - level principle.