1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Leon Festinger 1957
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2. 1. Overview of Theory
Cognitive elements - defined bits of knowledge or opinions or beliefs
Basic Relations
Consonant
Dissonant
Irrelevant
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3. Assumptions Psychological tension to reduce dissonance
We not only reduce it, we avoid situations that increase it
Dissonance increases when alternatives contain attractive features
Increased dissonance, increased pressure
Pressure = importance & # of elements
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4. 2. Reducing Dissonance Change one of the elements
Seek evidence to discredit
Change importance of cognitiones
Seek confirmatory evidence
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5. 3. Dissonance & Beliefs (future)
Conditions for dissonance arousal
Firm conviction
Public commitment
Clear confirmation/disconfirmation of conviction
Unequivocal disconfirmation
Social support available
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6. 4. Dissonance & Decisions
Degree of dissonance
Important to person
Mix of attractive & unattractive features
Dissimilar attributes but similar desirability
Reducing Dissonance
Change Decision
Increase attractiveness of chosen
Decrease attractiveness of unchosen
Seek confirming information
View consequences as the same
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7. 5. Insufficient Justification
Definition - a cognition following from another that can not be justified
Boring task example
Creates powerful dissonance
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8. 6. When is dissonance aroused?
Reasons for not being dissonant
Blame environment
Blame others
Dissonance aroused
“I willing caused it”
“It was a significant decision”
ROTC example
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9. 7. Self Concept How do you explain self-fulfilling prophecy?
We have a vested interest in failure
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10. 8. Criticisms Prediction Problems - How will dissonance be reduced?
Can the theory be proven or disproven? (Falsifiability)
Quantifiable?
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