Dissonance Theory Helps Us Understand the Apparently Irrational Behavior of Cult

question 184

Multiple Choice

Dissonance theory helps us understand the apparently irrational behavior of cult members, such as those in the Heaven's Gate cult and at Jonestown, who committed mass suicide. All of the following, EXCEPT __________, tend to increase dissonance and hence the extreme dissonance-reducing commitment to the cult or cause and the beliefs of the leaders.

• A) the sacrifice of money and possessions
• B) giving up other friends and relationships outside the cult
• C) the negative self-concepts of many people who join cults
• D) the amount of hard work that is done on behalf of the cult

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Definitions:

Equilibrium

A state in which market supply and demand balance each other, resulting in stable prices and quantities.

Positively Sloped

A line or curve on a graph that moves upward and to the right, indicating a direct relationship between two variables.

Negatively Sloped

Describes a line on a graph that moves downward from left to right, indicating an inverse relationship between two variables.

Total Surplus

The sum of consumer surplus and producer surplus, representing the total benefits to society from the trade of a good or service.