Which of the following is a feature of the mere exposure effect?

The feature of the mere exposure effect is the principle that more exposure increases preference. This psychological phenomenon suggests that individuals tend to develop a greater liking for stimuli simply because they are exposed to them repeatedly over time. The underlying mechanism often involves comfort with repeated stimuli, leading to feelings of familiarity, which can enhance positive evaluations.

This effect can be observed in various domains, such as advertising, music, and interpersonal relationships. For instance, individuals frequently report enjoying a song more after hearing it several times, even if their initial reaction wasn't strong.

In contrast, the other options present ideas that do not align with the mere exposure effect. The belief that familiarity breeds contempt highlights a negative view of repeated exposure, which contradicts the core principle of increased preference. The notion that we dislike what we are exposed to frequently is also opposite to the effect, as mere exposure generally leads to a positive shift in feelings. Additionally, the idea that initial-negative impressions can be changed does not encapsulate the essence of the mere exposure effect, which fundamentally states that repeated exposure usually fosters positive feelings rather than altering negative impressions.