Cognitive Dissonance Theory - 1621 Words

Leon Festinger created the cognitive dissonance theory as an attempt to explain why people desire to have consistency between their behaviors and actions. Cognitive dissonance is the distressing mental state people feel when they find themselves doing things that don’t fit with what they know, or having opinions that do not fit with other opinions they hold (Festinger, 1957; as cited in Griffin, 2009). Thus, people are motivated to change either their behavior or their belief when feelings of dissonance arise. Dissonance is reduced using three mental strategies. Selective exposure is the strategy used before a decision is made. The premise of this strategy is to avoid information that is likely to increase dissonance. The second†¦show more content†¦The difference between condition one and three is that condition three allowed the participants to self-affirm after finding out their verdict was in disagreement with the other group members. Festinger argues that the lac k of choice adds consonant cognitions which reduce the overall amount of dissonance that otherwise would be experienced (Festinger, 1957, 1958; as cited in Matz Woods, 2005). Additionally, the opportunity to self-affirm strengthens self-worth and thereby reduces the dissonance created when people’s actions threaten their personal integrity (Simon, Greenberg, Brehm, 1995; as cited in Matz Woods, 2005). Thus, Matz and Woods hypothesize that dissonance will be reduced by the lack of choice and the opportunity to self-affirm. The results show low levels of discomfort in the lack of choice and self-affirmation conditions, providing an explanation of the kinds of strategies people use to reduce dissonance. Study three introduces an interpersonal strategy introduced by Festinger: changing one’s own attitude to align with others’ opinions (Festinger, 1957; as cited in Matz Woods, 2005). Building off of Festinger’s idea of changing one’s attitude thre e conditions are used in this study. The three strategies used are: (a) changing one’s own attitudes to agree with others in the group, (b) influencing others to change their opinion, and (c) joining a different, attitudinally congenial group. The end results showShow MoreRelated Cognitive Dissonance Theory Essay1027 Words   |  5 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The theory of Cognitive Dissonance states that when individuals are presented with information that implies we act in a way that contradicts our moral standards, we experience discomfort (Aronson, Wilson, and Akert, 1998, P. 191). This is considered Cognitive Dissonance, A psychological term used to describe mental conflict that occurs when beliefs or assumptions are contradicted by new information; arouses unease or tension; relieved by one of several defensive maneuvers:Read MoreCognitive Dissonance Theory Paper1375 Words   |  6 PagesCognitive Dissonance Theory Paper 1 Cognitive Dissonance Theory Paper Psy 400 Axia Online Cognitive Dissonance Theory Paper 2 Introduction The cognitive dissonance theory has many possible scenarios and examples chosen throughout life. The theory will be either enhanced or decreased depending on a number of factors such as the person’s moral values, social upbringing, and social status at work, religiousRead MoreCognitive Dissonance Theory - Applications2122 Words   |  9 PagesCONTENTS 1. Introduction 1.1. What is Cognitive Dissonance? 1.2. Cognitive Dissonance Phenomena 1.3. Ways to address Cognitive Dissonance 1.4. Significance 2. Project Statement 3. Methodology 3.1. 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I will also deliberate what it can explain and the alternative explanations presented by other psychologists; how they differ from Festinger’s, how they add to Festingerâ₠¬â„¢s original theory and finally how they extend the knowledge in understanding the interactionRead MoreAn Examination of Festingers Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Notable Modifications2030 Words   |  9 PagesFestingers Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Notable Modifications Sometimes the greatest test of a theory is its longevity. Over time, some theories will be disproved, some will be modified, and some will become the basis for a whole new group of theories. Leon Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance has stood up to challenge for over forty years, and is considered by many to be the single most important theory of social psychology. Though there have been modifications to the theory afterRead MoreThe Cognitive Dissonance Theory ( Cdt ) Essay2141 Words   |  9 PagesIntroduction This paper applies the principles of the cognitive dissonance theory (CDT) to the potential racial motivations of homegrown terrorists. Generally, the CDT rests on the premise that in a situation where one is faced with conflicting attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors, there is a need to restore harmony, with his or her pre-existing thoughts and ideas. In addition, this need for harmony can give rise to irrational and sometimes maladaptive behaviors in order to reinstate that balance (McleodRead MoreLeon Festinger s Theory Of Cognitive Dissonance1855 Words   |  8 PagesLeon Festinger s theory of cognitive dissonance (1957) sets its meaning on the theory that behavior does not support the attitude or vice versa. At many times individuals see themselves experiencing this phenomenon, so in order to reduce this dissonance, either the attitude or the behavior needs to be altered or changed. A perfect example would have to be when a white person says that black and whites are all the same y et he/she would not want to live in a neighborhood with the majority of the population