Which effect explains why increased exposure to a stimulus can enhance liking?

The correct answer, the Mere Exposure Effect, refers to the psychological phenomenon where individuals tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. This effect illustrates how repeated exposure to a stimulus, whether it be a person, image, or piece of music, typically leads to increased liking for that stimulus over time.

Research supporting the Mere Exposure Effect shows that people often express more positive feelings towards objects or individuals they have encountered frequently, even if they have not interacted with them in depth. This can occur without any conscious awareness, meaning that the simple act of seeing or hearing something repeatedly can positively affect one's feelings towards it.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of social psychology. The Propinquity Effect relates to how physical proximity can enhance relationships and friendships due to increased interactions, but it does not directly address the impact of mere familiarity. Companionate Love pertains to deep affection and emotional closeness in long-term relationships, which isn’t related to the frequency of exposure. Finally, the Halo Effect refers to the tendency to form an overall impression of a person based on one positive trait, rather than how familiarity influences liking. Thus, while these concepts are important in social psychology, they do not encapsulate the phenomenon of increased