Threats of Severe Punishment Are NOT Likely to Change Behaviors

question 173

Multiple Choice

Threats of severe punishment are NOT likely to change behaviors in the absence of the person who punishes, because such severe threats provide __________.

• A) external justification for halting the undesirable behavior
• B) sufficient internal justification for halting the undesirable behavior
• C) a means to justify the problem behavior
• D) a large amount of cognitive dissonance

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Definitions:

Private Sector

The part of the economy that is run by individuals and companies for profit and is not controlled by the state.

Bureaucratic Reform

Efforts aimed at improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of administrative agencies and public sector organizations.

Republican Administrations

Periods of governance in the United States where the executive branch is controlled by the Republican Party.

Democratic Administrations

Periods of governance in the United States where the Democratic Party controls the presidency and/or has significant influence in the legislative branch.