5

Set 1: Central Ideas (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The following text discusses cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values, and is typically experienced as psychological stress when they participate in an action that goes against one or more of them. According to this theory, when two actions or ideas are not psychologically consistent with each other, people will do all in their power to change them until they become consistent. This often leads to irrational decision-making as individuals attempt to rationalize their conflicting behaviors.

What is the primary motivation for resolving cognitive dissonance?

A. To improve decision-making skills in high-stress situations✓ Correct
B. To alleviate the psychological discomfort caused by inconsistency
C. To prove to others that one's beliefs are correct
D. To avoid having any beliefs or values at all

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. The text notes it is experienced as 'psychological stress' and people try to change things 'until they become consistent' to relieve this.

Key Evidence:

• "experienced as psychological stress"

• "do all in their power to change them until they become consistent"

Why others are wrong: A (Irrelevant (text says it often leads to irrational decision-making)), C (Not mentioned), D (Not mentioned).

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