According to the accentuation effect, if the first-year students at a college are initially more intellectual than the students at another college, that gap is likely to __ by the time they graduate.
A nullify
B reduce
C remain the same
D increas
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) increase.
The accentuation effect refers to a psychological phenomenon where differences between groups or individuals become more pronounced over time. In the context of the students from two colleges, if the first-year students at one college are initially more intellectual than those at another college, this gap is likely to increase as the students progress through their education.
There are several factors that contribute to this effect:
- Differential Academic Growth: The more intellectually advanced students are likely to benefit more from the academic environment, including the quality of instruction, access to resources, and opportunities for intellectual engagement. This could lead them to develop even stronger intellectual capabilities over time. On the other hand, students who start with lower intellectual abilities may face more challenges and may not experience the same rate of intellectual growth, further widening the gap.
- Selection Bias: Colleges that attract more intellectually advanced students may provide an environment that nurtures their strengths. These students may receive more encouragement and recognition for their abilities, reinforcing their skills. Conversely, students in colleges with lower academic starting points might face systemic barriers or limitations that prevent them from advancing at the same rate.
- Self-Perception and Motivation: Students who start with higher intellectual abilities may develop greater self-confidence and motivation to excel. This can create a positive feedback loop where their academic performance improves further, reinforcing their intellectual development. In contrast, students with lower initial abilities might struggle with self-esteem and motivation, hindering their progress.
Over time, these factors tend to accentuate the initial differences, making the gap between the students at the two colleges more pronounced by the time they graduate. Therefore, the correct answer is D) increase.