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Bounded rationalization: The role of acceptance in postchoice and postassignment rationalization.

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Rationalization stems from accepting outcomes, not just making choices. Higher acceptance of any outcome, even unchosen ones, leads to greater rationalization, challenging dissonance theory.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • People often rationalize choices by viewing selected options more positively post-selection.
  • Existing theories suggest rationalization arises from the act of choosing or self-perception.
  • Cognitive dissonance theory explains rationalization as a mechanism to reduce inconsistency between choices and unfavorable features.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose that outcome acceptance, rather than the act of choosing, drives rationalization.
  • To investigate acceptance as a moderator for rationalization in both chosen and assigned outcomes.
  • To broaden dissonance theory by demonstrating rationalization can occur without personal choice.

Main Methods:

  • Seven experiments were conducted with a total of 2,557 participants.
  • The study examined the relationship between outcome acceptance and rationalization.
  • Factors influencing outcome acceptance, such as freedom, finality, and consent, were explored.

Main Results:

  • Acceptance of an outcome, regardless of whether it was personally chosen, significantly predicts rationalization.
  • Higher levels of outcome acceptance correlate with increased rationalization.
  • The findings challenge the necessity of choice for dissonance effects.

Conclusions:

  • Outcome acceptance is a critical driver of rationalization, extending beyond personal choices.
  • Dissonance theory can be broadened to include situations where individuals accept outcomes they did not select.
  • This research bridges dissonance theory with other rationalization frameworks.