Which of the following statements explains why threats are NOT effective for motivating people?

a. Threats reduce tension.

b. Threats ensure that appropriate actions are not abandoned.

c. Threats produce permanent change.

d. Threats provoke counteraggression.

From my text materials I understood that d is the correct answer.

I agree.

To determine which statement explains why threats are NOT effective for motivating people, let's analyze each option:

a. The statement "Threats reduce tension" suggests that threats can have a calming effect, which is not aligned with the idea that threats are ineffective in motivating people. Therefore, this statement does not explain why threats are not effective for motivation.

b. The statement "Threats ensure that appropriate actions are not abandoned" implies that threats help in ensuring that individuals follow through with their actions. This does not address the ineffectiveness of threats for motivation.

c. The statement "Threats produce permanent change" suggests that threats can lead to long-lasting behavioral changes. While this may be a desirable outcome, it does not explain why threats are not effective for motivation.

d. The statement "Threats provoke counteraggression" implies that threats can trigger defensive or aggressive reactions from individuals. This aligns with the concept that threats do not effectively motivate people.

Therefore, the correct answer is option d: Threats provoke counteraggression. This statement explains why threats are not effective for motivating people because instead of motivating individuals, threats can elicit negative responses, resistance, and counteraggression.