Hai Has Been Taking Expensive Beta-Carotene Supplements for Years Because

Multiple Choice

Hai has been taking expensive beta-carotene supplements for years because he believes they will reduce his risk of cancer. Hai has just learned that a well-controlled study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine showed that beta-carotene supplements do not reduce cancer risk. Hai is probably experiencing __________.

A) cognitive dissonance
B) self-affirmation
C) the rationalization trap
D) self-discrepancy