Question

"I always choose romance novels rather than biographies. I guess must like romance novels better." This thought process illustrates the premise of _______________ theory. A. cognitive dissonance B. learning C. evolutionary D. self-perception

Short answer

Answer: (D) Self-Perception Theory

Step-by-step solution

Examine the statement

Read the given statement and identify the key features in the thought process. The person always chooses romance novels over biographies and concludes that they must like romance novels better.

Review the theories

Review the definitions of cognitive dissonance theory, learning theory, evolutionary theory, and self-perception theory to determine which best explains the thought process in the statement. 1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory: This theory states that people experience discomfort when their actions and beliefs are inconsistent, and they may change their beliefs to align with their actions to reduce this discomfort. 2. Learning Theory: This theory focuses on the process of acquiring new knowledge, behaviors, and skills through experience, practice, and reinforcement. 3. Evolutionary Theory: This theory seeks to explain the development of behavior and mental processes through natural selection and genetic factors. 4. Self-Perception Theory: This theory suggests that people determine their attitudes and preferences by observing their own behavior and drawing conclusions from it, just as they would for other people.

Determine the best fit

Based on the review of each theory, the self-perception theory best explains the thought process in the statement. The person observes their own behavior (choosing romance novels) and draws a conclusion about their preferences (liking romance novels better) from this behavior.

Choose the correct answer

The correct answer is (D) Self-Perception Theory.

Key concepts

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive Dissonance Theory is about the mental conflict that occurs when a person's beliefs or behaviors are not in line with each other. This inconsistency can create a feeling of discomfort, prompting the individual to resolve the dissonance.
To relieve this discomfort, people might change their beliefs or behaviors so they align more closely. Imagine someone who knows smoking is harmful but continues to smoke. They might change their belief about the dangers or quit smoking to align their behavior with their beliefs.

• People are motivated to reduce discomfort.
• They adjust beliefs or behaviors to resolve inconsistencies.
• Examples include changing opinions or seeking new information.

Understanding cognitive dissonance helps us grasp why people might convince themselves of something that aligns their beliefs and actions, even when it doesn't logically follow.

Learning Theory

Learning Theory is the framework that describes how humans acquire, process, and retain knowledge. This theory suggests that learning is a complex process influenced by both external stimuli and internal understanding. It covers a broad range of learning types such as classical and operant conditioning.
Learning can happen through:

• Observations: Watching others and mimicking their actions.
• Practices: Repeated efforts that strengthen learning outcomes.
• Reinforcement: Receiving rewards or facing consequences.

The key to effective learning lies in engaging with material at the right time and situation. This theory emphasizes that change in behavior is proof that learning has occurred. Through learning, people develop new habits, skills, and understandings.

Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral Psychology focuses on understanding how people behave and why. It emphasizes the importance of interactions between the individual and their environment. This field seeks to understand how certain stimuli affect behavior, primarily through empirical and observable data.
Behaviors can be shaped by:

• Classical Conditioning: Learning through association, as seen in Pavlov's dogs.
• Operant Conditioning: Learning via rewards or punishments; think of Skinner's experiments with rats.
• Stimuli and Responses: Examining triggers and how people react to them.

This area of psychology is crucial for applications like behavioral therapy, helping people alter maladaptive behaviors by using the principles of conditioning and reinforcement.