Quantifying the prevalence and adaptiveness of behavioral rationalizations. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tierney, Warren; Uhlmann, Eric Luis
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 43(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X1900205X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Critical aspects of the "rationality of rationalizations" thesis are open empirical questions. These include the frequency with which past behavior determines attitudes (as opposed to attitudes causing future behaviors), the extent to which post hoc justifications take on a life of their own and shape future actions, and whether rationalizers experience benefits in well-being, social influence, performance, or other desirable outcomes.