Celia, who is a college student, has always thought of herself as an environmental activist.Recently, she "inherited" a gas-guzzling car from her parents, which she has been driving around campus.To reduce the cognitive dissonance that she feels from these clashing images of herself, the environmental activist and the gas-guzzling car owner, she might _____ by deciding that she will only use the car when it is impossible to bike or take the bus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changing her behavior by limiting the use of the gas-guzzling car to when it is necessary is a way for Celia to reduce the cognitive dissonance she feels from owning the car and being an environmental activist. By taking this action, she aligns her behavior with her beliefs, which reduces the dissonance. Changing her attitude or adding consonant thoughts may not resolve the dissonance as effectively, and reducing the perceived amount of choice may not be feasible or desirable.

Celia, Who Is a College Student, Has Always Thought of Herself