In cognitive-dissonance theory, _________ is the tendency of people to seek explanations for their own behavior in such a way that unpleasant undertakings seem worth it.

A) situational attribution
B) attitude-discrepant behavior
C) selective exposure
D) effort justification

Effort justification is the tendency of people to justify the effort they have put into a task or activity by forming a more positive attitude towards it. This occurs because people want to feel that the effort they put into a task was worth it, so they will adjust their attitudes to align with their behavior.