Question

The concept of 'Balance' in Attitude Change is explained below. Identify the correct options:
(A) Fritz Heider described this change in the form of P-O-X triangle, which explains the relationship between the aspects.
(B) P is the person whose attitude is being studied. O is another person, X is the topic towards which attitude is studied.
(C) Attitude changes if there is a state of imbalance between P-O, O-X, P-X attitude.
(D) Imbalance is found when all three sides are positive.
(E) Balance is found when all three sides of the P-O-X triangle are negative.

• A. (A), (B) & (D) only
• B. (A), (B) & (C) only
• C. (A), (B) & (E) only
• D. (A), (D) & (E) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To identify correct statements regarding Fritz Heider's concept of 'Balance' in Attitude Change:

1. Heider's P-O-X triangle theory models the psychological link between three components: Person (P), Other person (O), and an attitudinal object or topic (X). This statement is correct as it forms the basis of Heider's theory, aligning with option (A).
2. Within the triangle, P represents the individual whose attitude is examined, O denotes another person, and X signifies the attitude object/topic. This description is accurate and corresponds to option (B).
3. Imbalance arises when the product of the relationships P-O, O-X, and P-X is negative, prompting attitude shifts to re-establish balance. Balance or imbalance is not strictly about all relations being positive or negative, but about achieving a positive overall product of these relationships. Therefore, option (C) is correct, reflecting the necessity of balanced attitudes.
4. In contrast to options (D) and (E), balance is determined not by whether all components are positive or negative, but by the overall positive product of the relationships, thereby balancing them.

Consequently, the accurate propositions of Heider's balance theory are represented by options (A), (B), & (C) only.