Carl and Roger both had similar attitudes about cheating on a partner. However, both were faced with similar situations where they could have cheated on their partners

Question

Now, Carl thinks that cheating is the worst offense one can make in a relationship, whereas Roger thinks that most people would cheat if they were faced with the situation. Explain what could have occurred, both socially and psychologically, that could produce such diverse positions from individuals who shared a similar stance.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Cognitive dissonance could be responsible for the change in attitude in both Carl and Roger. Although they started out at similar points, Carl may have been tempted but chose not to cheat in that situation. The temptation to cheat and his decision not to could have created dissonance. To reduce dissonance, he could have changed his beliefs to bring them more into line with his behavior. Because he did not cheat, he thinks that cheating is morally wrong (even more so than he did before he was in the situation). On the other hand, Roger, faced with a similar situation, decided to cheat, and this behavior also caused dissonance. Thus, to reduce dissonance, Roger also changed his beliefs, but in the opposite direction. He now believes that cheating is not very bad and that others would have chosen to take the same course of action he took in the situation.