Q: Which equation best represents the relationship between dissonant and consonant cognitions according to cognitive dissonance theory?

$D = \frac{\text{Number of Dissonant Cognitions}}{\text{Number of Consonant Cognitions}}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

A state of discomfort caused by holding inconsistent attitudes, behaviors, or cognitions.

Question 2

A student believes that 'fast food is bad for your health' but eats fast food several times a week. According to cognitive dissonance theory, which strategy would best reduce their dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Change the behavior by eating less fast food.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a consonant thought-behavior pair?

Accepted Answer

Believing 'fast food is bad for your health' and choosing not to eat fast food.

Question 4

A person feels uncomfortable because they value family time but rarely call their parents. What is this discomfort called?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to reduce cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Increase the frequency of the dissonant behavior.

Question 6

If a person believes 'alcohol is bad for your health' but drinks alcohol at parties, which of the following is a way to reduce dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Change the belief to 'drinking occasionally is not harmful.'

Question 7

True or False: Cognitive dissonance is described as discomfort created by consonant thoughts.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the process of justifying a dissonant behavior?

Accepted Answer

A person who eats fast food often says, 'I'm busy so I need to eat fast food right now. I'll change my habits soon.'

Question 9

Which equation best represents the relationship between dissonant and consonant cognitions according to cognitive dissonance theory?

Accepted Answer

$D = \frac{	ext{Number of Dissonant Cognitions}}{	ext{Number of Consonant Cognitions}}$

Question 10

A person values waking up early to walk their dog but often sleeps in. Which of the following would be a consonant strategy?

Accepted Answer

Set an alarm to wake up early and walk the dog.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is a common misconception about cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance is only caused by conflict between personal beliefs and societal beliefs.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a multi-step approach to reducing cognitive dissonance in a real-life scenario?

Accepted Answer

A person who smokes but knows it's unhealthy first seeks information about quitting, then gradually reduces smoking, and finally adopts a healthier lifestyle.

Question 13

If someone believes 'studying is more important than a movie' but chooses to watch a movie instead of studying, what type of cognition is this?

Accepted Answer

Dissonant cognition

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of changing the attitude to reduce cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Convincing yourself that 'fast food isn't that bad for you.'

Question 15

A person feels dissonance because they value talking to family but rarely do so. Which of the following would be a direct way to increase consonance?

Accepted Answer

Call family members more often.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why cognitive dissonance motivates behavior change?

Accepted Answer

People are motivated to reduce psychological discomfort caused by conflicting cognitions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

A doctor who knows smoking is harmful but continues to smoke.

Question 18

If $D$ represents the level of cognitive dissonance, which of the following would decrease $D$ according to the formula $D = \frac{	ext{Number of Dissonant Cognitions}}{	ext{Number of Consonant Cognitions}}$?

Accepted Answer

Increase the number of consonant cognitions.

Question 19

Which of the following is most likely to result in cognitive consonance?

Accepted Answer

Aligning behaviors with attitudes and beliefs.

Question 20

A person who values health but eats unhealthy food justifies their behavior by saying 'I don't have time to cook.' What type of dissonance reduction strategy is this?

Accepted Answer

Justification by adding new cognitions.

Cognitive Dissonance: Concepts and Applications

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