LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionMedium
Passage: "The concept of 'cognitive dissonance' refers to the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values, or is confronted by new information that conflicts with existing beliefs. This discomfort motivates individuals to reduce the dissonance, often by changing their beliefs, justifying their actions, or selectively ignoring conflicting information. For instance, a smoker who knows smoking is harmful might rationalize their behavior by believing 'it won't happen to me' or 'the risks are exaggerated.' While often discussed in social psychology, its implications extend to economics, marketing, and political science, influencing consumer choices and voter behavior by driving individuals to maintain consistency in their self-perception and worldview." Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of cognitive dissonance as described in the passage?
- AA consumer chooses the cheaper of two similar products after comparing their prices.
- BA student struggles to understand a complex math problem and feels frustrated.
- CA person who believes in environmental protection buys a gas-guzzling SUV, then focuses on the vehicle's safety features to justify the purchase.
- DAn athlete trains rigorously for a competition and feels confident in their ability to win.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A person who believes in environmental protection buys a gas-guzzling SUV, then focuses on the vehicle's safety features to justify the purchase.
The scenario describes a person holding contradictory beliefs (environmental protection vs. buying a gas-guzzling SUV) and then reducing the discomfort by 'justifying their actions' (focusing on safety features). This directly aligns with the definition and example given in the passage for cognitive dissonance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a rational economic decision based on price, not a resolution of conflicting beliefs.
- B. This describes frustration from a lack of understanding, not mental discomfort from contradictory beliefs.
- D. This describes confidence based on preparation, not discomfort from contradictory beliefs.
Illustrative Scenario
Identifying a real-world or hypothetical situation that exemplifies a concept, theory, or principle explained in the passage.
- Requires applying the passage's concept to a new example.
- Tests understanding of the concept's practical manifestation.
- Look for the core mechanism or definition to be present in the scenario.
Memory trick: Apply the mind's concept to the real world.