In class, you are given the assignment of writing an essay in favour of raising tuition by 30 percent. You do not agree, but have to write the essay. Later if we ask you about your opinion regarding an increase in tuition, you will
A)change your opinion in favour of an increase in tuition because of cognitive dissonance
B)feel even more negative about an increase in tuition because of cognitive dissonance
C)change your opinion in favour of an increase because of the door-in-the-face technique
D)not change your opinion at all
E)feel more against an increase because of group polarization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that arises when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values. In this case, the student does not agree with the assignment of writing an essay in favor of raising tuition by 30 percent, but they have to write the essay. This creates cognitive dissonance, which the student can resolve by either changing their opinion in favor of an increase in tuition or feeling even more negative about an increase in tuition. However, the student does not change their opinion, so the correct answer is D.

In Class, You Are Given the Assignment of Writing an Essay