A researcher suggests that increased sympathetic nervous system activity affects affiliation ratings during repetitive behavior studies. Is this explanation likely supported?

• A. Yes, sympathetic nervous system arousal affects feelings toward others.
• B. Yes, the study design enables establishing this effect.
• C. No, repetitive behaviors likely increase parasympathetic activity.
• D. No, differing ratings under both conditions do not correlate with arousal.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer indicates that differing ratings under both conditions do not correlate with arousal. This suggests that even if there are variations in sympathetic nervous system activity during the repetitive behaviors, these variations do not translate into changes in affiliation ratings. For a relationship to be established between sympathetic nervous system arousal and affiliation ratings, one would expect to see a clear correlation between increased arousal and heightened feelings of affiliation. If such a correlation is absent, it challenges the validity of the researcher’s assertion.

The fact that the study does not provide evidence that the changes in sympathetic activity affect how people rate their affiliation suggests that other factors might be at play that are not related to the sympathetic nervous system arousal. This leads to the conclusion that the proposed hypothesis is not sufficiently supported by the findings of the study, highlighting a disconnect between physiological responses and social evaluations.