Mahmoud wants his seven-year-old daughter to learn that littering is bad. According to cognitive dissonance theory, how should Mahmoud teach his daughter not to be a litterbug?
A) He should give his daughter a big ice cream cone every time she throws her garbage in a trash can.
B) He should yell and scream at his daughter every time she tosses garbage on the ground.
C) He should give his daughter a stern look whenever she litters.
D) He should raise his daughter's allowance whenever she refrains from littering.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to cognitive dissonance theory, one way to change behavior is to create a feeling of discomfort or dissonance when the behavior occurs. By giving his daughter a stern look when she litters, Mahmoud is creating a sense of discomfort or dissonance that may lead his daughter to change her behavior and avoid littering in the future. Option A and D are using positive reinforcement, and Option B is using punishment, but cognitive dissonance theory suggests that creating discomfort or dissonance is more effective in changing behavior.

Mahmoud Wants His Seven-Year-Old Daughter to Learn That Littering Is