Theories of Attitude and Behavior Change (7C) Practice Test

A student organization promotes a new attendance policy using cognitive dissonance theory. Members who frequently skipped meetings sign a public statement: “Regular attendance is essential to our mission.” Attendance improves for some members, but others begin arguing that meetings are “mostly social” and “not that important.” According to cognitive dissonance theory, what best explains why some members devalued the importance of meetings after signing?

A clinic tests a smoking-cessation intervention grounded in cognitive dissonance theory. Participants who currently smoke are asked to record a short video message to younger teens about why smoking is harmful. The video is recorded in a private room, and participants are told it may be used in a school program. One week later, some participants report feeling “uncomfortable” about continuing to smoke. Which follow-up would most directly reduce dissonance by changing behavior rather than changing beliefs?