Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of role-playing in altering attitudes?

1. To reinforce existing beliefs

2. To align attitudes with expected behaviors of a role

3. To express emotions more freely

4. To create complex scenarios

The correct answer is: To align attitudes with expected behaviors of a role

The primary purpose of role-playing in altering attitudes is to align attitudes with the expected behaviors associated with a particular role. In psychology, role-playing allows individuals to act out scenarios in which they take on different perspectives. Through this process, participants can internalize the attitudes and behaviors of the role they are playing. By stepping into someone else's shoes, individuals may begin to understand and adopt the attitudes that correspond with that perspective, which can be a powerful tool for attitude change. For instance, if a person role-plays a healthcare provider, they might develop a more empathetic attitude toward patients by experiencing the provider's perspective firsthand. This deepened understanding can lead to a change in attitude that is more aligned with the compassionate and supportive behavior expected in that role. The other options, while relevant to various psychological processes, do not capture the primary purpose of role-playing in the context of attitude change. Reinforcing existing beliefs or expressing emotions freely may occur, but they are not the central aim of the technique. Likewise, creating complex scenarios can enhance the role-playing experience but does not directly explain the mechanism by which attitudes can shift.