Terror management theory proposes that awareness of mortality underlies much human behavior—cultural worldviews, self-esteem pursuits, and group identification serve as defenses against existential anxiety. Studies show that reminding people of death increases worldview defense (nationalism, religious fervor) and self-enhancement. Critics argue the theory is too broad to be falsifiable: almost any behavior can be reinterpreted as mortality defense.
It can be inferred from the text that
mortality awareness has no psychological effects
theories that can explain everything might face criticism for explaining nothing specifically
all psychological theories are equally susceptible to this criticism
the studies supporting terror management theory have been universally rejected
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The criticism is precisely that the theory is too broad.
- Context clues: Critics say "almost any behavior can be reinterpreted" under the theory.
- Meaning: If anything counts as evidence, nothing specifically tests the theory.
- Verify: "Too broad to be falsifiable" expresses this exact concern.
💡 Strategy: When a theory is criticized for explaining too much, infer the overly-broad explanation problem.
Choice A is incorrect because studies show effects of mortality reminders. Choice C is incorrect because this criticism applies specifically to theories that explain too much. Choice D is incorrect because studies are cited as evidence for the theory.