Section: AP Psychology

43) Brenda believes that the outcome of her tennis matches depends so much on luck that it hardly pays to put any effort into her own athletic training. Her belief most clearly illustrates:

1. an Electra complex.
2. the spotlight effect.
3. the Barnum effect.
4. self-serving bias.
5. an external locus of control.
6. No Answer Selected

The belief that events in one’s life, whether good or bad, are caused by uncontrollable factors such as the environment, other people, or a higher power.

Example: Whenever he fails a test, the boy always has an excuse ready: the room was too hot, he wasn’t feeling well, the test was unfair. He never seems to feel culpable, even if he simply hasn’t studied enough.