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Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.
If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?
  • a)
    The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.
  • b)
    An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.
  • c)
    Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.
  • d)
    Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.
  • e)
    Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Fe...
Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.
If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?
Argument Analysis
Pre-Thinking
Conclusion Clarification
The question stem says that “If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?”. The question requires us to draw an inference based on statements in the passage. Please note that the inference must be based only on the information provided in the passage.
Pre-Thinking Approach
In order to see what can be inferred from the argument, we would need to observe all the facts given in the argument and see if the information in the passage is true, what must also be true.
Let us combine a couple of pieces of information presented in the passage:
  1. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance.
  2. No individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance
Inference: Every individual who experiences consonance must have experienced highest levels of cognitive dissonance first.
With this understanding in mind, let's take a look at the answer choices.
Answer Choices
A
The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.
Incorrect - No information given
We only know that to arrive at consonance, one must experience the highest levels of dissonance. The argument does not talk about the levels of consonance that can be achieved.
B
An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.
Incorrect - No information given
The passage says that cognitive consonance is the opposite of dissonance. This means that people would not experience anxiety or neurosis. Therefore, it cannot be inferred whether people experiencing consonance will hold contradictory beliefs.
C
Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.
Correct
This matches the pre-thinking analysis and is the correct answer.
D
Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.
Incorrect - No information given
How CD is treated is not mentioned in the argument.
E
Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.
Incorrect - No information given
There is no information given regarding the impact of awareness of CD on achieving CC. Therefore, this statement cannot be derived from the passage.
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Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. 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Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Cognitive dissonance, a concept proposed by behavioral analyst Leon Festinger, refers to a psychological condition in which individuals experience anxiety or even neurosis because they hold contradictory beliefs. The reverse situation, known as consonance, results when dissonance reaches a peak that forces the individual to move toward consonance. Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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Therefore, no individual can arrive at cognitive consonance unless he or she first experiences the highest possible level of cognitive dissonance.If the above statements are true, which of the following must also be true?a)The higher the level of cognitive dissonance, the higher is the level of cognitive consonance achieved by the individual.b)An individual experiencing cognitive consonance does not hold contradictory beliefs.c)Cognitive consonance cannot be achieved unless cognitive dissonance is experienced first.d)Cognitive dissonance cannot be treated using prescription medication.e)Awareness of cognitive dissonance in itself is not sufficient to lead to cognitive consonance.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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