Which psychological phenomenon describes how repeated exposure to novel stimuli increases our liking of them?

The correct choice is the Mere Exposure Effect, which refers to the psychological phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. When individuals are repeatedly exposed to a novel stimulus, such as a person, song, or artwork, they often find that their liking for that stimulus increases over time. This effect suggests that familiarity can breed affection; the more we encounter something, the more we tend to like it, due to the association of comfort and predictability.

The mere exposure effect has been demonstrated across various studies and contexts, including in interpersonal relationships, consumer behavior, and even in the appreciation of art. This phenomenon underlines several aspects of social psychology, particularly in understanding how our environment and experiences shape our preferences and decisions.