Festinger and Carlsmith (1959) Performed an Experiment in Which Subjects

question 44

Multiple Choice

Festinger and Carlsmith (1959) performed an experiment in which subjects were asked to lie to a "fellow student" for either $1 or $20. For subjects in the $1 condition, dissonance was created by the cognitions "I am an ethical person" and "I have told a lie." Based on the results of this study, which of the following statements best expresses how subjects probably reduced this dissonance?

• A) "I did not really tell a lie-what I said is quite true."
• B) "Though I told that person a lie and I know it, what she doesn't know won't hurt her."
• C) "Lying is a terrible thing."
• D) "I guess I'm not really a very ethical person at all."

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Definitions:

Poor Decisions

Choices or judgments that result in negative outcomes, often due to factors such as lack of information, incorrect assessment, or cognitive biases.

Competition

A situation in which individuals or groups strive against one another to achieve a goal that cannot be shared or to attain a superior position.

Conflict

A situation of disagreement or dispute between parties with perceived incompatible goals, needs, or desires.

McGrath's Model

A framework for understanding group tasks and performance, identifying different types of group tasks and the dynamics involved in completing them.