Jackson has a lot to do this weekend, but as he is getting started, an old friend contacted him. They get together for what turns out to be a two-hour breakfast. When talk turns to seeing an early movie, Jackson figured he might as well since he had already blown most of the morning. Jackson is experiencing the ____ effect.
A) counterfactual
B) self-serving
C) counterregulation
D) actor/observer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jackson is engaging in counterregulation, which involves rationalizing a deviation from one's initial plan by finding other activities or excuses to justify the deviation. In this case, he had planned to be productive but ended up spending two hours at breakfast, so he rationalizes going to see a movie as well since he had already wasted most of the morning.

Jackson Has a Lot to Do This Weekend, but as He