Cognitive Dissonance

Question 1

Cognitive Dissonance

Answer 1

A drive or feeling of discomfort,
originally defined as being caused
by holding two or more
inconsistent cognitions and
subsequently defined as being
caused by performing an action
that is discrepant from one s
customary, typically positive selfconception

Question 2

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Answer 2

We experience an uncomfortable psychological state when
our attitudes are not consistent with other attitudes
our attitudes are inconsistent with our behaviour

Question 3

3 basic ways to reduce dissonance

Answer 3

1. Change our behaviour
2. Modify dissonant cognitions
3. Add new cognitions to justify our behaviour

Question 4

Impact Bias

Answer 4

The tendency to overestimate the
intensity and duration of our
emotional reactions to future
negative events

Question 5

Postdecision Dissonance

Answer 5

Dissonance aroused after making
a decision, typically reduced by
enhancing the attractiveness of
the chosen alternative and
devaluating the rejected
alternatives

Question 6

How can you reduce post-decision dissonance?

Answer 6

Spreading of alternatives

Question 7

Rationalization trap

Answer 7

A person keeps self-justifying their behaviour until their behaviour becomes increasingly immoral

Question 8

Self-justification

Answer 8

we justify our actions in order to avoid dissonance and maintain self-esteem

Question 9

Self-perception theory

Answer 9

We infer our attitudes from our behaviour

Question 10

Dissonance theory vs. self-perception theory

Answer 10

Dissonance theory posits an aversive psychological state, self-perception does not

Question 11

Self-Affirmation Theory

Answer 11

Another way of reducing dissonance is by self-affirming, e.g., focusing on one’s competence in another area
Ex. white lab coat study (Steele, Hoppe, and Gonzales)