A student supported capital punishment until she was asked to list problems with the death penalty in front of her class. Which theory best explains why she now opposes the death penalty?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when we hold two inconsistent beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, we experience psychological discomfort or dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, we may change one of our beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors to make them consistent with each other. In this scenario, the student may have experienced discomfort after recognizing the problems with the death penalty, which conflicted with her previous belief in its effectiveness. To reduce this discomfort, she may have changed her belief and now opposes the death penalty.

A Student Supported Capital Punishment Until She Was Asked to List