Cognitive Dissonance Theory Leon Festinger 1957 142022 1

Cognitive Dissonance Theory Leon Festinger 1957 1/4/2022 1

1. Overview of Theory z. Cognitive elements - defined bits of knowledge or opinions or beliefs z. Basic Relations y. Consonant y. Dissonant y. Irrelevant 1/4/2022 2

Assumptions z. Psychological tension to reduce dissonance z. We not only reduce it, we avoid situations that increase it z. Dissonance increases when alternatives contain attractive features z. Increased dissonance, increased pressure z. Pressure = importance & # of elements 1/4/2022 3

2. Reducing Dissonance z. Change one of the elements z. Seek evidence to discredit z. Change importance of cognitiones z. Seek confirmatory evidence 1/4/2022 4

3. Dissonance & Beliefs (future) Conditions for dissonance arousal z. Firm conviction z. Public commitment z. Clear confirmation/disconfirmation of conviction z. Unequivocal disconfirmation z. Social support available 1/4/2022 5

4. Dissonance & Decisions z Degree of dissonance y. Important to person y. Mix of attractive & unattractive features y. Dissimilar attributes but similar desirability z Reducing Dissonance y. Change Decision y. Increase attractiveness of chosen y. Decrease attractiveness of unchosen y. Seek confirming information y. View consequences as the same 1/4/2022 6

5. Insufficient Justification z. Definition - a cognition following from another that can not be justified z. Boring task example z. Creates powerful dissonance 1/4/2022 7

6. When is dissonance aroused? z. Reasons for not being dissonant y. Blame environment y. Blame others z. Dissonance aroused y“I willing caused it” y“It was a significant decision” y. ROTC example 1/4/2022 8

7. Self Concept z. How do you explain self-fulfilling prophecy? z. We have a vested interest in failure 1/4/2022 9

8. Criticisms z. Prediction Problems - How will dissonance be reduced? z. Can theory be proven or disproven? (Falsifiability) z. Quantifiable? 1/4/2022 10