Question 1
Volunteers in Manila performed a dull task, then were paid either 50 pesos or 5,000 pesos to tell the next volunteer it was fun. Later, which group is expected to rate the task as more enjoyable, and why?
- A.
The 5,000-peso group, because the larger payment reinforced their positive statements about the task
- B.
The 50-peso group, because with little external justification they reduce dissonance by changing attitude
- C.
Both equally, because telling someone else it was fun does not change one's own view of the task
- D.
The 5,000-peso group, because a large payment shows the task must have been valuable to them
Answer: B. The 50-peso group, because with little external justification they reduce dissonance by changing attitude
Lying for a small reward leaves no adequate external reason, so the discomfort is resolved by coming to believe the task was fun (B). A applies reinforcement logic that predicts the opposite. C ignores dissonance. D reverses the effect of justification.