Vance is quite surprised to hear that his friend Adam has been caught shoplifting, as he has always thought of Adam as someone who is honest, law-abiding, and respectful of others' rights and possessions. "There must be a logical explanation for why Adam was seen shoplifting," Vance thinks to himself, "and I won't rest until I find out what it is." Vance's motivation can best be explained using the concept of:
A) cognitive dissonance
B) state anxiety
C) need for relatedness
D) optimal level of arousal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vance's motivation to find a logical explanation for Adam's shoplifting behavior is an example of cognitive dissonance. This refers to the mental discomfort one experiences when their beliefs or values conflict with their behaviors or those of others around them. Vance's previously held belief that Adam is an honest and law-abiding individual conflicts with the behavior that Adam has exhibited, and thus he is motivated to resolve this dissonance by finding an explanation for his friend's actions.

Vance Is Quite Surprised to Hear That His Friend Adam