Question

George behaves rudely to Hannah. He tells his friends he does this because she refuses to help him with his homework. Why does George feel the need to justify his behavior?

a) To avoid counterattitudinal behavior.
b) To internalize his attitude toward Hannah.
c) To engage in compliance.
d) To reduce cognitive dissonance.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option d) To reduce cognitive dissonance.

Step-by-step explanation:

George feels the need to justify his behavior because he is experiencing cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that arises from a conflict in a person's behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs that runs counter to one's positive self-perception.

In this case, George's negative behavior towards Hannah conflicts with his positive self-perception and belief that he is a good person. To reduce this cognitive dissonance, George justifies his behavior by blaming Hannah for not helping him with his homework, thus shifting the responsibility away from himself.