Recall that Aronson and his colleagues asked college students either to compose a persuasive message advocating the use of condoms or to compose and deliver their message in front of a video camera. Considering which participants in this study later actually purchased more condoms, what would be the best way for a high school health teacher to promote condom use in his or her class?
A) Show a video about Ryan White (a victim of HIV)
B) Have students write an essay about being hypocrites if they choose not to use condoms
C) Have students pledge to use condoms
D) Teach students only abstinence, since it is more effective than condoms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Having students write an essay about being hypocrites if they choose not to use condoms is similar to the Aronson study, where participants who composed and delivered a message were more likely to change their behavior. This approach uses cognitive dissonance to encourage condom use.

Recall That Aronson and His Colleagues Asked College Students Either