The results of Festinger and Carlsmith's (1959) study of cognitive dissonance suggest that ____.

A) if people are paid less for doing a questionable act, they will rationalize it more
B) people will rationalize their own questionable behavior no matter how much they are paid to do it
C) if people are paid more for doing a questionable act, they will rationalize it more
D) if people are paid less for doing a questionable act, they will rationalize it less

Questionable Act

Pertains to actions or behaviors that raise doubt regarding their morality, ethics, or legality, often eliciting scrutiny or criticism.

Festinger And Carlsmith

Festinger and Carlsmith were social psychologists who conducted seminal experiments on cognitive dissonance, demonstrating how conflicting beliefs can lead to mental discomfort and attitude change.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological condition in which an individual experiences discomfort or distress from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values.