With ____, people rationalize their behavior so as to bring their attitudes into line with their actions.

A) subjective norms
B) attitude polarization
C) divergent bias
D) cognitive dissonance

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive Dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.

Subjective Norms

An individual’s perceptions about whether significant others think he or she should (or should not) perform the behavior in question.

Attitude Polarization

The phenomenon whereby a person's stance on a specific issue becomes more extreme after being exposed to opposing arguments.