In a Classic Experiment on Cognitive Dissonance, Students Did Some

question 169

Essay

In a classic experiment on cognitive dissonance, students did some boring, repetitive tasks and then had to tell another student, who was waiting to participate in the study, that the work was interesting and fun (Festinger & Carlsmith, 1959). Half the students were offered $20 for telling this lie and the others only $1. Based on what you have learned about cognitive dissonance reduction, which students do you think decided later that the tasks had been fun after all? Why?

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Definitions:

Psychosocial Development

A theory proposed by Erik Erikson that human development is influenced by a series of conflicts that are social in nature and span the person's lifetime.

Seventh Stage

This can refer to different models, but in Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, the seventh stage pertains to the challenge of generativity versus stagnation in middle adulthood.

Basic Strength

Refers to the fundamental abilities or qualities that an individual possesses, which help in achieving success or overcoming challenges.

Adulthood

A stage of human development characterized by matured physical growth, psychological development, and the assumption of adult responsibilities and roles.