Question

Choose the correct statements based on P-O-X triangle (Fritz Heider) in describing the process of attitude change:
A. Imbalance is found when all three sides of P-O-X triangle are negative.
B. Balance is found when all three sides of P-O-X triangle are positive.
C. Imbalance is found when two sides are positive and one side is negative.
D. Balance is found when two sides are negative and one side is positive.

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. A, B, C and D

Hint:

Balanced if the product of signs is positive; imbalanced if negative.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We have four claims about when a P-O-X triangle is balanced or imbalanced. We must decide which claims are right.

Step 2: Recall the rule in plain words:
A triangle is balanced when it has all positive sides, or when it has exactly two negative sides and one positive. Every other pattern is imbalanced, meaning it has all negative sides or exactly one negative side.

Step 3: Test the balanced claims.
Claim (B) says all positive is balanced. This agrees with the rule. Claim (D) says two negative and one positive is balanced. This also agrees.

Step 4: Test the imbalanced claims.
Claim (A) says all negative is imbalanced. This agrees with the rule. Claim (C) says two positive and one negative is imbalanced. This agrees as well, because it has exactly one negative side.

Step 5: Count the true claims.
All of A, B, C and D are true. Options (1), (2) and (3) each leave out one of them, so they are incomplete.

Step 6: Select the answer.
The only option listing all four claims is option (4).

Final Answer:
The correct option is (4), A, B, C and D.