Which of the following statements underscores the Cognitive Dissonance Theory assumption that human beings desire consistency in their beliefs, attitudes and behaviors?
A) People do not enjoy inconsistencies in their thoughts and beliefs.
B) Cognitions must be psychologically inconsistent with one another to arouse cognitive dissonance.
C) Dissonance is a drive state possessing arousal properties.
D) All of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive Dissonance Theory posits that individuals strive for consistency in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and when inconsistencies arise, it leads to discomfort, which they are motivated to reduce. All the provided options (A, B, C) highlight aspects of this theory: A) emphasizes the discomfort caused by inconsistencies, B) outlines the condition for cognitive dissonance to occur (i.e., the presence of psychologically inconsistent cognitions), and C) describes dissonance as an arousal state that individuals are driven to resolve, all of which are foundational to the theory.

Which of the Following Statements Underscores the Cognitive Dissonance Theory