Pat,a two pack a day smoker,understands that smoking is dangerous to his health but when challenged states that it helps him study.Pat is using a ______ to reduce dissonance regarding his smoking.
A)cognitive process
B)mental model
C)a behavioral process
D)None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pat is using a cognitive process, specifically justification of effort, to reduce dissonance regarding his smoking. Justification of effort is when a person engages in an unpleasant behavior to achieve a desired outcome, leading to a change in attitude to justify the behavior. In this case, Pat is justifying his smoking by stating that it helps him study.

Pat,a Two Pack a Day Smoker,understands That Smoking Is Dangerous