What is the relationship between exposure to stimuli and attitudes according to the mere exposure effect?

The concept of the mere exposure effect suggests that repeated exposure to a stimulus typically leads to a more favorable attitude toward that stimulus. When individuals encounter something frequently, they develop a sense of familiarity with it, which often leads to positive feelings. The psychological basis for this phenomenon is linked to the ease of processing familiar stimuli, resulting in a greater level of comfort and preference.

As a result, more exposure tends to enhance positive attitudes towards the stimulus, making it more likely for the individual to form a favorable evaluation. This effect is widely documented in various contexts, including advertising, social interactions, and preference formation, highlighting how our feelings towards objects, people, or ideas can improve simply due to the frequency of exposure.

In contrast to this, other options suggest negative outcomes or misconceptions about the nature of exposure and attitude formation, which do not align with the established principles of the mere exposure effect. This understanding of human psychology sheds light on how familiarity can breed not only comfort but also preference, reinforcing why increased exposure is generally associated with enhanced positive attitudes.