When thinking about the upcoming presidential election, Stacey was unsure of which candidate to vote for. However, after he voted and took some time to think about his decision, Stacey felt much more confident that he had made the correct choice. The change in the strength of Stacey's attitude about the candidate for whom he voted is probably the result of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stacey's change in attitude is likely due to cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort or tension that arises from holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes. After making a decision, people often feel a need to justify their choice to reduce this discomfort. Stacey may have rationalized his decision by seeking out information that supported his choice, or he may have selectively remembered positive things about the candidate he voted for. This process can lead to a stronger and more confident attitude towards the chosen candidate.

When Thinking About the Upcoming Presidential Election, Stacey Was Unsure