A basketball game ends with a score of 155-13. The fans who paid to see the game say it was exciting, but those who got in free say it was boring. What psychological principle is probably responsible for the difference in reactions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance explains the difference in reactions. Fans who paid are likely justifying their expenditure by viewing the game as more exciting, while those who got in free have no such investment to justify, leading to their honest assessment of the game as boring.

A Basketball Game Ends with a Score of 155-13