Cognitive Dissonance

Question 1

What is cognitive dissonance?

Answer 1

Discord between behavior and belief. The distressing mental state caused by inconsistency between a persons two beliefs of a belief and an action

Question 2

What are the 3 mental mechanisms people use to ensure their actions and attitudes?

Answer 2

1. Selective exposure prevents dissonance
2. Post decision dissonance creates a need for reassurance
3. minimal justification for action induces attitude change

Question 3

What is selective exposure?

Answer 3

Tendency to avoid information that would create cognitive dissonance because it is incompatible with their current beliefs

Question 4

What is post decision dissonance?

Answer 4

Strong doubts experienced after making an important, close-call decision that is difficult to reverse (examples: Elon musk is a jerk but he makes a great car)

Question 5

What is minimal justification?

Answer 5

The best way to stimulate an attitude change in others is to offer just enough incentive to elect counter attitudinal behavior.