Summary
Sharon heard her favorite author criticize a political candidate that she had supported for years. As a result, Sharon’s opinion of the author declined, while her opinion of the candidate remained the same.
Strongly Supported Conclusions
Someone who hears an opinion that counters a long-held belief will doubt the source rather than question their held belief.
A
Artists who speak out on political matters will have influence only among their most dedicated fans.
There is no support for whether an artist’s most dedicated fans will be influenced. The stimulus just says that Sharon was not influenced.
B
A political statement from an artist should be considered only if the artist has established a reputation for being an honest and knowledgeable observer of politics.
There is no justification given for when an artist should give a political statement.
C
Artists should limit their public political statements to issues that are somehow related to the arts.
There is no support for when an artist should or should not give a political statement.
D
Someone who hears testimony that contradicts a long-standing opinion will generally entertain doubts about the source of the testimony rather than the correctness of the opinion.
Sharon’s longstanding support for a political candidate outweighs the opinion of her favorite author. As a result, Sharon’s opinion of the author declines (doubts the testimony of the source) instead of challenging her own beliefs.
E
People are far less likely to renounce an allegiance that they have had for many years than to renounce an allegiance that is new to them.
There is no information about how long Sharon supported her favorite author, so this comparative statement cannot be made.