The mere-exposure effect leads to what kind of change in perception?

The mere-exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus results in a more favorable evaluation of that stimulus. This effect suggests that familiarity often breeds liking; the more often we are exposed to something, the more we tend to like it. This can be observed in various contexts, such as music preferences, product choices, or interpersonal relationships.

In this case, the chosen answer reflects the essence of the mere-exposure effect, indicating that improved evaluations occur as stimuli are repeated. The underlying mechanism is linked to the way our brains process familiar information more fluently, which often translates to a more positive evaluation.

Other options do not align with the principles of the mere-exposure effect. For example, reduced confidence in predictions relates more to cognitive biases and uncertainties in judgment rather than familiarity bias. Increased aggression after frustration refers to social psychology concepts related to aggression rather than mere exposure. Finally, stronger belief in fairness of outcomes touches on concepts of fairness and justice, which are separate from the emotional responses evoked by mere familiarity. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the positive evaluative change associated with repeated exposure.