Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Question 1

Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Answer 1

A feeling of discomfort that arises when we hold two inconsistent cognitions.

Often inconsistencies between our attitude and behaviors

Question 2

Hypocrisy

Answer 2

Motivates behavior change when people are favorable toward a behavior but don’t perform it regularly

Question 3

Dissonance reduction strategies

Answer 3

1. Change our behavior to make it consistent with our attitudes and/or beliefs.
2. Chnage our attitudes and/or beliefs to fit our behavioral outcome
3. Add new cognitions that resolve the discrepancy

Question 4

Insufficient Justification

Answer 4

Reduction of dissonance by internally justifying one’s behavior when external justification is “insufficient’

Question 5

Self-Justification

Answer 5

…..

Question 6

Minimal deterrance

Answer 6

When individuals lack a sufficient external justification for resisting a desired activity, they may reduce the dissonance by devaluing the forbidden activity or object.

Question 7

How can we use dissonance to explain cult behavior?

Answer 7

Beliefs are held with deep conviction
Believer is committed to acting according to beliefs
high investment in the group

Question 8

Belief Perseverance

Answer 8

In the face of disconfirming facts, believers not only fail to give up incorrect beliefs, they believe and defend them more tenaciously than ever