In 1954, Marian Keech Convinced Her Followers That Aliens from Planet

question 59

Multiple Choice

In 1954, Marian Keech convinced her followers that aliens from planet Clarion had sent her a message that the world was coming to an end on December 21, but that they could be saved. When the world did not come to an end, Mrs. Keech and many of her followers reduced cognitive dissonance by

• A) deciding that the aliens had been pulling a practical joke on them.
• B) deciding that their efforts had been justified and had spared the planet.
• C) trying to bring about the end of the world on their own by encouraging the U.S. President to start World War III.
• D) using logical analysis to realize that they had been mistaken.

---

Definitions:

Lumbar Puncture

A medical procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the lower part of the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing.

Computed Tomography

A medical imaging technique that combines multiple X-ray measurements from different angles to create detailed cross-sectional images of areas inside the body.

Intracranial Pressure

The pressure within the skull affecting the brain, influenced by blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue; changes can indicate significant conditions.

Lumbar Puncture

A medical procedure involving the insertion of a needle into the lower part of the spinal column to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes.