Cognitive Dissonance Theory Accounts for Festinger and Carlsmith's (1959) Results

question 42

Multiple Choice

Cognitive dissonance theory accounts for Festinger and Carlsmith's (1959) results by proposing that subjects paid

• A) $1 to lie felt little cognitive dissonance.
• B) $1 to lie had sufficient justification for their counterattitudinal behavior.
• C) $20 to lie felt high cognitive dissonance.
• D) $20 to lie had sufficient justification for their counterattitudinal behavior and experienced little dissonance.

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Definitions:

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting primarily of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and sending out nerve signals.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that lies outside the central nervous system, consisting of nerves and ganglia, responsible for relaying information between the body and brain.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for quick action in emergencies; "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for conserving energy and bringing the body to a state of rest by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal and glandular activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles.