What Is Cognitive Dissonance in Psychology Quizlet?

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Diego Sanchez

Cognitive Dissonance in Psychology Quizlet

Cognitive dissonance is a concept in psychology that describes the mental discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or ideas. This discomfort can arise from discrepancies between beliefs and actions, or between different beliefs held simultaneously.

The Theory of Cognitive Dissonance

The theory of cognitive dissonance was first proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957. According to Festinger’s theory, individuals strive for internal consistency in their beliefs and behaviors. When inconsistencies arise, cognitive dissonance occurs, leading to feelings of discomfort and tension.

Examples of Cognitive Dissonance

There are many examples of cognitive dissonance in everyday life. For example, a smoker who knows that smoking is harmful to health may experience cognitive dissonance when trying to quit smoking.

The smoker may hold the belief that smoking is enjoyable but also hold the belief that smoking is harmful to health. These conflicting beliefs can cause discomfort and tension.

Another example of cognitive dissonance is when a person engages in behavior that contradicts their values or morals. For instance, a person who believes that stealing is wrong but steals something may experience cognitive dissonance.

Reducing Cognitive Dissonance

Individuals often seek to reduce cognitive dissonance by changing their beliefs or behaviors. One way to reduce cognitive dissonance is by altering one’s behavior to match their beliefs. For example, a person who believes that smoking is harmful may quit smoking to reduce the conflict between their belief and behavior.

Another way to reduce cognitive dissonance is by changing one’s beliefs to match their behavior. For instance, a person who steals something may justify their behavior by convincing themselves that the victim deserved it.

The Importance of Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

Understanding cognitive dissonance can be beneficial in various ways. For instance, individuals can use this knowledge to identify and resolve internal conflicts that may be causing discomfort and tension. Additionally, understanding cognitive dissonance can help people better understand the behavior of others, especially in situations where conflicting beliefs or values are at play.

Conclusion

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that describes the discomfort experienced by individuals who hold conflicting beliefs or values. It can arise from inconsistencies between beliefs and actions, or between different beliefs held simultaneously.

To reduce cognitive dissonance, individuals often change their beliefs or behaviors to create consistency. Understanding cognitive dissonance is important because it can help individuals identify and resolve internal conflicts while also providing insight into the behavior of others.