Cognitive Dissonance

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Issue Analysis: Cognitive    

Running head: ISSUE ANALYSIS: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE

Issue Analysis: Cognitive Dissonance

Jason Hruby

June 11, 2009


Issue Analysis: Cognitive Dissonance

Summary of Pro and Con Sides of Cognitive Dissonance

The question addressed and analyzed in this paper is: Does cognitive dissonance explain why behavior can change attitudes? The position that cognitive dissonance does explain why behavior can change attitudes is presented by Festinger and Carlsmith (1959). The position that cognitive dissonance does not explain why behavior can change attitudes is presented by Bem (1967) the creator of the self-perception theory, the theory used to dispute cognitive dissonance.

The question of whether behavior changes attitudes or attitudes change behavior is the core of the argument presented. The theory of cognitive dissonance which was originally proposed by Festinger in 1957, suggested that people strive to maintain consistency in one’s attitudes and actions, and when a contradiction exists between one’s attitudes and actions, one will experience psychological tension. Accordingly, the theory of cognitive dissonance stated, “people sometimes change their attitudes in order to reduce the psychological tension that is produced by the contradiction between their actions and attitudes” (Nier, 2007, p. 75). Behavior can, therefore, change attitudes.

Does cognitive dissonance explain why behavior can change attitude? This is the question sought to be answered. As presented by Festinger and Carlsmith & Gross (1969) they feel this is a true statement. The theory of cognitive dissonance was first proposed by Festinger in 1957 and it suggested that people will strive to maintain consistency in one’s attitudes and actions. Festinger states that when this occurs, psychological tension will be experienced.

Accordingly, the theory of cognitive dissonance stated, “people sometimes change their attitudes in order to relieve the personal psychological stress they feel” and this stress is a byproduct of the contradiction between their actions and attitudes”(Neir, 2007, P.75). Changes in behavior can then alter attitudes.

Bem (1967) presents the opposing position that cognitive dissonance does not explain why behavior changes attitudes. According to Bem (1967), he created the self-perception theory which holds when people are unsure of their attitudes; they then examine their behavior to determine the reason for their attitudes (Neir, 2007). Based upon Bem’s (1967) self-perception theory, he holds this allows one to be able to give more weight to one’s cognitive reasoning abilities. Bem (1967) is not a supporter of the belief that psychological tension will change one’s behavior to match their attitude. However, after self-reflection attitude may adjust itself and therefore the desired behavior will be altered.

The position that cognitive dissonance does not explain why behavior can change one’s attitude is presented by Bem (1967). Bem created the self-perception theory which explains that when people are unsure of their attitudes, people examine their behavior to determine the reason for their attitudes (Nier, 2007). The self-perception theory gives more weight to one’s cognitive reasoning abilities and does not propose that psychological tension will change one’s behavior to match attitude. After self reflection, attitude may change to change one’s behavior.

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Consonant and Dissonant Cognition

Cognitive Dissonance theory is made up of many elements.  These elements are anything we feel or believe in about other people, events, places or things.  Consonant cognition is the elements working along together while Dissonant cognition is stating the elements are inconsistent with each other.  

Cognitive dissonance is a theory of social psychology presented by Festinger (1957).

Harmon-Jones and Mills (1999) define it by suggesting: “Pairs of cognitions (elements of knowledge) can be relevant or irrelevant to one another.  If two cognitions are relevant to one another, they are either consonant or dissonant. Two cognitions ...

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