Set 9: Cross-Text Connections
Explanation
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?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Dissonance -> Modify belief. Text 2: Evidence causes dissonance -> Reject evidence (backfire). Application: Defense mechanism. Understanding how the authors relate to each other's views is essential. Identify whether they agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the topic. Focus on their specific claims and conclusions. When comparing texts, first identify each author's thesis or main argument. Then determine how these positions interact: do they complement each other, contradict each other, or address different aspects of the same issue? The relationship between texts reveals deeper meaning.
Key Evidence:
• "modify one of the beliefs"
• "dig in deeper"
• "backfire effect"
Why others are wrong: D (Backfires.), A (Reduce discomfort.), B (No.).
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