TOEFLスピーキング Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'cognitive dissonance' refers to the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes. This discomfort often leads people to rationalize or change their beliefs to reduce the inconsistency, even if it means distorting reality. Cognitive dissonance typically arises after a decision that involves effort or sacrifice, prompting individuals to justify their choice to maintain internal consistency.

Professor: Let me give you a classic example. Imagine a student named Sarah who decides to join a very demanding outdoor survival program over her summer break. She pays a lot of money, endures extreme physical hardship—sleeping in tents, hiking in harsh weather, and eating bland food. Initially, she finds the experience miserable. However, after the program ends, she tells her friends that it was the most rewarding experience of her life, and she enthusiastically recommends it to others. Why? Because she invested so much time, money, and effort, she feels a strong need to justify her choice. If she admitted it was a waste, she would experience deep discomfort. So she exaggerates the positive aspects and downplays the negatives to align her beliefs with her actions.