Question 1

According to Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, which of the following best describes cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

A state of discomfort caused by holding two or more inconsistent cognitive elements that are relevant to each other.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a method proposed by Festinger to reduce cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the dissonance and refusing to acknowledge it.

Question 3

A person who eats red meat daily but knows it is high in saturated fats experiences cognitive dissonance. Which of the following is an example of reducing dissonance by changing a cognitive element?

Accepted Answer

Deciding that there is not a necessary link between good health and eating red meat.

Question 4

Which factor increases the magnitude of dissonance experienced after making a decision?

Accepted Answer

The importance of the decision.

Question 5

Suppose you are forced by your boss to do something you do not agree with. According to cognitive dissonance theory, what effect does the degree of forced compliance have on your experience of dissonance?

Accepted Answer

The less external justification you have, the greater the dissonance you will feel.

Question 6

If a person adds a new cognitive element to justify their behavior, which equation best represents the reduction of dissonance?

Accepted Answer

$D = |C_1 - (C_2 + C_3)|$

Question 7

Which of the following real-life scenarios best illustrates the concept of post-decisional dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Feeling uncertain after buying a new car and then seeking reassurance that you made the right choice.

Question 8

According to the study materials, which factor would most likely DECREASE the amount of dissonance experienced after making a decision?

Accepted Answer

Having strong social support for your choice.

Question 9

A student is assigned a difficult and unpleasant task. According to cognitive dissonance theory, under which condition will the student experience the MOST dissonance?

Accepted Answer

If the student is given little external justification for completing the task.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the similarity of alternatives and the magnitude of post-decisional dissonance?

Accepted Answer

The more similar the alternatives, the greater the dissonance.

Question 11

After making a difficult decision, a person starts to view the chosen alternative as more attractive and the rejected alternative as less attractive. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Spreading of alternatives

Question 12

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the magnitude of dissonance ($D$), the importance of the decision ($I$), and the similarity between alternatives ($S$)?

Accepted Answer

$D = I 	imes S$

Question 13

In a study, older adults in a high-choice condition showed greater agreement with a proposal after writing arguments in favor of it. This finding supports which aspect of cognitive dissonance theory?

Accepted Answer

Deliberate choice increases the desire to reduce dissonance.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of reducing dissonance by seeing the dissonant element as less important?

Accepted Answer

Deciding that what you eat is not as important as your state of mind.

Question 15

A person is asked to write an essay supporting a position they disagree with, and they are paid a small amount. According to cognitive dissonance theory, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

They will experience high dissonance and may change their attitude to match the essay.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why people often seek reassurance after making a major purchase?

Accepted Answer

To reduce post-decisional dissonance by justifying their choice.

Question 17

If a person is given strong social support for a difficult decision, what is the expected effect on their cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Dissonance will decrease.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of adding a new cognitive element to reduce dissonance?

Accepted Answer

A smoker who continues to smoke but starts exercising to 'balance out' the health risks.

Question 19

According to cognitive dissonance theory, which of the following equations best represents the reduction of dissonance ($D$) when a person changes their behavior ($B$) to match their attitude ($A$)?

Accepted Answer

$D = |A - B| \rightarrow 0$

Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Concepts and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards