A utility company is attempting to reduce natural gas usage among its customers. It has sent out a survey to all customers asking them how much they value reducing the use of fossil
Fuels. How could cognitive dissonance be used to achieve a reduction in natural gas usage?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between a person's beliefs and their actions. By sending individuals their survey results, which likely indicate a preference for reducing fossil fuel use, alongside their actual natural gas usage data, the utility company would create a situation where customers are directly confronted with any inconsistency between their stated values and their real-world behavior. This discomfort might motivate them to reduce their natural gas usage to align their actions with their expressed beliefs.

A Utility Company Is Attempting to Reduce Natural Gas Usage