Which psychological factor best explains why people sometimes purchase products that are harmful to them, such as cigarettes or junk food?

• A. Classical conditioning, where harmful products are associated with negative emotions
• B. Selective attention, where people ignore all information about the product
• C. Cognitive dissonance, where individuals rationalize their choices to reduce psychological discomfort
• D. Operant extinction, where repeated use of a product leads to a decrease in behavior

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key psychological concepts presented in the options: Classical conditioning, Selective attention, Cognitive dissonance, and Operant extinction.
2. Step 2: Analyze Classical conditioning, which involves learning through association, typically linking a neutral stimulus with a positive or negative response. Consider whether this explains purchasing harmful products.
3. Step 3: Examine Selective attention, which refers to focusing on certain stimuli while ignoring others. Reflect on whether ignoring information about harmful products fully accounts for the behavior.
4. Step 4: Explore Cognitive dissonance, which occurs when individuals experience psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors, leading them to rationalize or justify their choices to reduce this discomfort.
5. Step 5: Consider Operant extinction, where a behavior decreases because it is no longer reinforced, and evaluate if this explains continued harmful product use.