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Cognitive Dissonance quiz

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  • What is cognitive dissonance?
    Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort experienced when a person holds conflicting thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors.
  • What are consonant thoughts and behaviors?
    Consonant thoughts and behaviors are logically consistent with each other, creating a harmonious flow between beliefs and actions.
  • What is an example of consonant thoughts and behaviors?
    Believing fast food is unhealthy and choosing not to eat fast food is an example of consonant thoughts and behaviors.
  • What is an example of dissonant thoughts and behaviors?
    Thinking fast food is unhealthy but eating it several times a week is an example of dissonant thoughts and behaviors.
  • Why do people experience discomfort during cognitive dissonance?
    People experience discomfort because their attitudes, behaviors, or cognitions are inconsistent, creating psychological tension.
  • What motivates people to resolve cognitive dissonance?
    The discomfort or psychological tension caused by dissonance motivates people to seek resolution and restore consistency.
  • What is one strategy people use to reduce cognitive dissonance?
    One strategy is changing their beliefs to align with their behaviors, such as deciding fast food isn't that bad for health.
  • How can changing behavior reduce cognitive dissonance?
    By altering their actions to match their beliefs, such as eating less fast food if they believe it's unhealthy, people reduce dissonance.
  • What is justification in the context of cognitive dissonance?
    Justification involves rationalizing or explaining away the inconsistency, such as blaming a busy schedule for eating fast food.
  • Why might someone justify their behavior instead of changing it?
    If they are unable or unwilling to change their thoughts or behaviors, justification can temporarily relieve discomfort.
  • How does cognitive dissonance relate to psychological well-being?
    Cognitive dissonance highlights the importance of cognitive consistency for psychological well-being, as unresolved dissonance causes discomfort.
  • What role does cognitive consistency play in decision-making?
    Cognitive consistency helps people make decisions that align with their beliefs and actions, reducing psychological tension.
  • What happens if cognitive dissonance is not resolved?
    If not resolved, cognitive dissonance can lead to ongoing psychological discomfort and stress.
  • Can cognitive dissonance be resolved temporarily?
    Yes, justification can provide temporary relief from dissonance, even if the underlying inconsistency remains.
  • What is the main idea behind cognitive dissonance theory?
    The main idea is that people strive for harmony between their attitudes and actions to avoid psychological discomfort.