QQuestionPsychology
QuestionPsychology
Which of the following best describes cognitive dissonance?
A. When someone assigns a person to a category based on past experiences
B. When someone responds negatively to an idea based on his or her beliefs
C. When someone tries to change another person's opinion
D. When someone's attitudes don't match his or her behavior
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this psychology problem by carefully explaining cognitive dissonance and selecting the most accurate definition.
Step 2:: Understanding Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept first introduced by Leon Festinger in 1957. It refers to the mental discomfort or psychological tension that occurs when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values simultaneously.
Step 3:: Analyzing the Definition
The key characteristic of cognitive dissonance is the internal conflict that arises when a person's attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors are inconsistent with each other.
Step 4:: Evaluating the Answer Choices
Attitudes not matching behavior $$\rightarrow$$ This MATCHES the definition of cognitive dissonance
Let's examine each option: A. B. C. D.
Step 5:: Explanation of the Correct Answer
Option D precisely describes cognitive dissonance: when someone experiences psychological discomfort because their attitudes do not align with their actual behaviors.
Final Answer
When someone's attitudes don't match his or her behavior
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