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Set 3: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 Cognitive Dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs. To reduce this discomfort, individuals typically modify one of the beliefs to restore consistency. Text 2 This mechanism explains why debunking conspiracy theories often backfires. When presented with contradictory evidence (dissonance), believers may dig in deeper (modify belief in evidence) to protect their core identity, a phenomenon known as the 'backfire effect'.

How does Text 2 apply the psychological principle from Text 1?

A. It illustrates how the drive to reduce dissonance can lead to irrational rejection of facts rather than correction of belief.✓ Correct
B. It says conspiracy theories are true.
C. It proves people like discomfort.
D. It says evidence always changes minds.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Dissonance -> Modify belief. Text 2: Evidence causes dissonance -> Reject evidence (backfire). Application: Defense mechanism.

Key Evidence:

• "modify one of the beliefs"

• "dig in deeper"

• "backfire effect"

Why others are wrong: B (No.), C (Reduce discomfort.), D (Backfires.).

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