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Chapter 16: Problem 8

Cognitive dissonance theory predicts that after people engage in counterattitudinal behavior, they will: A. convince themselves they really didn't perform the behavior. B. change their attitude to make it more consistent with their behavior. C. change their attitude to make it less consistent with their behavior. D. do nothing.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: They will change their attitude to make it more consistent with their behavior.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when people experience inconsistency between their attitudes and behaviors, it creates an uncomfortable psychological tension called cognitive dissonance. To resolve this tension, people will either change their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to create a sense of internal consistency.
02

Evaluate Option A

The first option states that people will convince themselves they really didn't perform the behavior. This option indicates a denial of behavior, which may not necessarily address the cognitive dissonance occurring due to the inconsistency between attitudes and behaviors.
03

Evaluate Option B

The second option states that people will change their attitude to make it more consistent with their behavior. This option closely aligns with the cognitive dissonance theory, as it suggests that people will modify their attitudes to match their behavior, thus resolving the tension caused by the inconsistency.
04

Evaluate Option C

The third option states that people will change their attitude to make it less consistent with their behavior. This option does not align with the cognitive dissonance theory, as it would further increase the inconsistency and tension between their attitudes and behaviors, rather than resolving it.
05

Evaluate Option D

The fourth option states that people will do nothing. This option also does not align with the cognitive dissonance theory, as it suggests that people will not address the inconsistency and tension between their attitudes and behaviors.
06

Choose the Correct Option

Based on our evaluation, option B is the correct answer, as it aligns with the cognitive dissonance theory and its prediction that people will modify their attitudes to create consistency with their behaviors. Therefore, cognitive dissonance theory predicts that after people engage in counterattitudinal behavior, they will change their attitude to make it more consistent with their behavior.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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