Cognitive dissonance theory
Overview
In cognitive dissonance theory, people seek consistency between what they believe and what they do. According to the theory, people strive for consistency between what they believe and what they do [1]. When there is an imbalance between the two, tension is created. Cognitive dissonance can be reduced by changing either beliefs or behaviors so that they become mutually consistent and harmonious. There are times when people change their behavior to match their beliefs; this is often seen as an ethical imperative since we should practice what we preach [1].
The first investigator of CognitiveDissonance is Leon Festinger. After observing a cult that believed that the earth would be destroyed by a flood, Leon Festinger first investigated cognitive dissonance. When the flood did not occur, what happened to the cult members - particularly the really committed ones who had given up their jobs and homes to work for the cult — was particularly interesting in his opinion[2]..
Evidence
Design Implications
Challenges and/or Alternative theories
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Martinez, M. E. (2010). Learning and cognition: The design of the mind. Perusalk (Vol. 6). Merrill. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://app.perusall.com/courses/foundations-of-cognitive-science-for-learning-f22/learning-and-cognition-the-design-of-the-mind?assignmentId=ZKHADfR8srroXsmKM&part=1.
- ↑ McLeod, S. (1970, January 1). [cognitive dissonance]. Study Guides for Psychology Students - Simply Psychology. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html