An experimenter offers a very small reward to some subjects if they will write an essay in favor of a position that the experimenter knows the subjects oppose. Later the subjects are asked for their current beliefs on that topic. Which theory is the experimenter probably testing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experimenter is likely testing cognitive dissonance theory, which posits that individuals experience discomfort (i.e. dissonance) when their beliefs or behaviors conflict with each other. By offering a small reward to write an essay in favor of a position the subjects oppose, the experimenter is creating a situation where the subjects' beliefs conflict with their actions. The later question about the subjects' current beliefs on the topic is likely being used to measure the extent of cognitive dissonance experienced by the subjects.

An Experimenter Offers a Very Small Reward to Some Subjects