Sonia works as a lab research assistant at Frost Labs, which conducts trials for cosmetic products such as sprays, dyes, ointments, soaps, and the like. She joined the firm right out of college and has been working there for almost two years now.
-Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that Sonia is experiencing cognitive dissonance?
A) She believes that beauty is merely a superficial aspect of one's personality.
B) She does not wear makeup as she is aware of the ingredients that go into making these products.
C) She recently attended a presentation on the harmful effects of certain chemicals used in cosmetics.
D) She believes that research and testing are an integral part of providing consumers with safe products.
E) She feels that this field of work does not allow her to utilize her full potential.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance implies an incompatibility between two or more attitudes or between behavior and attitudes. If Sonia believes that research and testing are integral to providing consumers with safe products, it would suggest that her attitude and behavior (conducting trials) are in sync with one another, thereby weakening the argument that she is experiencing cognitive dissonance. If she believes that beauty is a superficial aspect of one's personality and does not wear makeup because she is aware of the ingredients that go into making such products, then it would imply an incongruence between her behavior and attitude, thereby strengthening the argument. Similarly, if Sonia is aware of the harmful effects of the chemicals used in cosmetics, it would strengthen the argument that she is experiencing cognitive dissonance. If she feels that this field of work does not allow her to utilize her full potential, it would also strengthen the argument for cognitive dissonance.

Sonia Works as a Lab Research Assistant at Frost Labs