Dissonance Theory Helps Us Understand the Apparently Irrational Behavior of Cult

question 100

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:

Demand Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity demanded by consumers, typically downward sloping to the right indicating an inverse relationship.

Tax on Buyers

A financial charge imposed directly on consumers, which tends to shift the demand curve downward, reflecting a decrease in the quantity demanded at each price.

Buyers Pay More

Refers to situations where consumers end up paying a higher price for goods or services due to various factors like increased demand or decreased supply.

Tax on Sellers

A financial charge imposed by a government on sellers of goods or services, which can affect market prices and quantities.