Exam 2 Flashcards
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
We’re motivated by the desire to remain cognitively consistent
Cognitive Constancy
Desire for our beliefs + values + attitudes to all be compatible with each other
3 Elements of Positive Self-Image
1) Moral
2) Smart
3) Reasonable
Ways to reduce dissonance
Say it was ‘only a little ice cream,’ or ‘I don’t really need to be on a diet’
Festinger + Carlsmith classic study
When there is not a large enough reward or incentive, there will be strong dissonance for lying
Insufficient Deterrence
Mild punishment for playing with a toy will result in: ‘Eh, that toy wasn’t so great anyway’ (toy appears less attractive
Severe punishment: ‘I don’t want to play with the toy because I’m scared’ <– external punishment (but toy still seems attractive)
Counter-attitudinal Advocacy
Stating an opinion that counters your beliefs
Impact Bias
Overestimating the intensity and duration of our reaction to future negative events
External Justification
Lying about a friends dress being pretty because you’d rather not cause a fight, or her to feel bad
Internal Justification
Reducing dissonance by changing ones attitude or behavior
Illusion of Irrevocability
When decisions are permanent (buying a car/house), must justify actions and minimize dissonance
Lowballing
Car-salesman … lowers price, than raises it! bastard
Cheating vs. not cheating
Cheating: it’s ok, everyone would do it if they could
Not cheating: Damn, I coulda done better if I cheated
Justification of Effort
Increasing liking for something they worked hard for
…interpreting ambiguities in a positive way - “• Thinking “getting hazed was good because it made me stronger”
Attitude (different kinds of attitudes)
Belief expressed at some level of intensity:
- Positive Attitude
- Dual Attitude a.k.a. ambivalence
- Indifference
- Negative attitude
Self-Report Measures
Explaining your feelings and attitude
3 Components of Attitude
1 - Affective (emotional reaction)
2 - Behavioral
3 - Cognitive
Attitude Scale
Questionnaire to measure someones attitude toward an object
Bogus Pipeline
Fake lie-detector used to make people answer more honestly
Implicit Association Test
Racism!
Measures the speed which people respond to the pairing of concepts
…looking at pics of black or white people…the white people are racist