Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Happy mood can increase creativity.
Reason R: Nigotiators who are in a good mood adopt more cooperative strategies and expect better outcomes.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

When checking Assertion-Reason questions, always read both separately first. If both are true, ask: "Does Statement R tell me *why* Statement A happens?" If the answer is no, select option B.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to determine the relationship between an Assertion about mood and creativity, and a Reason about mood and negotiation strategies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Assertion A states that a happy mood can increase creativity. This is a true statement supported by extensive research in cognitive psychology (e.g., Alice Isen's work).

• A positive emotional state broadens cognitive flexibility, promotes divergent thinking, and allows people to see unusual connections between ideas, thereby boosting creative problem-solving.

• Reason R states that negotiators who are in a good mood adopt more cooperative strategies and expect better outcomes. This is also a true statement, well-established in social and organizational psychology.

• Positive affect increases empathy, collaboration, and a preference for win-win outcomes during interpersonal conflicts and negotiation tasks.

• However, while both statements are true, Reason R does not explain Assertion A.

• The cooperative behavior of negotiators does not provide a cognitive or physiological explanation for why a happy mood enhances creative thinking.

• The cognitive broadening theory (e.g., Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build theory) is what links mood to creativity, not negotiation cooperation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion A and Reason R are correct, but Reason R is a separate, unrelated application of positive mood and does not explain why positive mood increases creativity.