In a research study on cognitive dissonance (van Veen,Krug,Schooler,& Carter,2009),one group of participants undergoing functional MRI was asked to describe the somewhat unpleasant scanner experience as pleasant.The other group was asked to describe it as neutral.Which part(s)of the brain showed higher levels of activity in the participants who made dissonant statements,as compared to those who made neutral statements?

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The anterior cingulate cortex and insula are known to be involved in processing emotional conflicts and the experience of cognitive dissonance. In this study, participants who made dissonant statements ("pleasant" instead of "unpleasant") showed higher activity in these brain regions compared to those who made neutral statements. The amygdala is involved in emotional processing, but it is not specifically implicated in cognitive dissonance. The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher-level cognitive processes and decision making, but it is not specifically implicated in the experience of cognitive dissonance. The cerebellum and pons are primarily involved in motor coordination and basic bodily functions, respectively, and are not thought to be involved in cognitive dissonance.

In a Research Study on Cognitive Dissonance (Van Veen,Krug,Schooler,& Carter,2009),one