Hugh bought a new calculator at Staples for $125. One week later, he saw an ad from Wal-Mart showing the same calculator on sale for $65. Hugh said to himself, "I'm glad I got my calculator at Staples; the ones at Wal-Mart are probably defective. I don't mind having paid more for mine." Hugh's statement reflects

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Hugh's statement reflects cognitive dissonance reduction, which is when people try to reduce the discomfort they feel when their beliefs or behaviors don't match up. In this case, Hugh likely feels discomfort over paying more for the calculator, so he justifies his decision by convincing himself that the Wal-Mart calculators are probably defective. This is a common way people reduce cognitive dissonance.

Hugh Bought a New Calculator at Staples for $125