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 Concept:
Fritz Heider's balance theory uses a triangle with three elements: P (the person), O (another person) and X (an object or idea). Each side shows a liking (positive) or disliking (negative) link.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Multiply the three signs. If the product is positive the triangle is balanced. If the product is negative it is imbalanced. An imbalanced triangle creates tension and pushes the person to change an attitude.

Step 3: Check statement (A).
Three negative sides give (-)(-)(-) = negative. So the triangle is imbalanced. Statement (A) is TRUE.

Step 4: Check statement (B).
Three positive sides give (+)(+)(+) = positive. So the triangle is balanced. Statement (B) is TRUE.

Step 5: Check statement (C).
Two positive sides and one negative give (+)(+)(-) = negative. So the triangle is imbalanced. Statement (C) is TRUE.

Step 6: Check statement (D).
Two negative sides and one positive give (-)(-)(+) = positive. So the triangle is balanced. Statement (D) is TRUE.

Step 7: Match with the options.
All four statements are correct, so only option (4) is right.

Final Answer:
All four statements follow Heider's balance rule, so the answer is option (4).