Question

Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that we commonly change our behavior to beep it consistent with our attitudes. True or falsie?

Short answer

True

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance theory, as proposed by Leon Festinger, is a psychological concept that suggests when individuals experience inconsistency (dissonance) between their attitudes, beliefs, or behavior, this inconsistency causes psychological discomfort. Subsequently, they tend to adjust their behavior or attitudes to alleviate the discomfort and achieve consistency.

Evaluating the Statement

The statement says that cognitive dissonance theory suggests that we commonly change our behavior to be consistent with our attitudes. Based on the dissonance theory explanation in step 1, we can observe that this statement is a general implication of the theory.

Conclusion

Therefore, considering the basis of the cognitive dissonance theory, it's clear that the statement in the question is true. Individuals tend to align their behavior with their attitudes to reduce the dissonance or inconsistency which causes psychological discomfort.

Key concepts

Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how our environment and experiences shape our behaviors. It explores how behavior can be learned and unlearned through interactions with our surroundings. The core belief is that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. There are two main types:

• Classical Conditioning: Learning through association. A famous example is Pavlov's dogs, which salivated when they heard a bell because they associated it with food.
• Operant Conditioning: Learning based on the consequences of a behavior. Positive reinforcement (like rewards) and punishment are key factors here.

Behavioral psychology provides insight into how behaviors can change, which is crucial when analyzing situations like cognitive dissonance, where a person might alter their behavior to match their attitudes or beliefs.
Understanding the principles of behavioral psychology helps explain why people act inconsistently at times and can guide strategies for behavior change.

Attitude-Behavior Consistency

Attitude-behavior consistency refers to how well a person's attitudes predict their actions. Ideally, if someone has a positive attitude towards something, their behavior should reflect this positivity. However, the reality is more complex. Several factors can influence this consistency:

• Strength of Attitudes: Stronger, more defined attitudes are likely to lead to consistent behavior.
• Situational Factors: The environment or context can influence whether behavior is consistent with attitudes.
• Social Influences: Other people's opinions and behaviors can impact one's own actions.
• Personal Experience: First-hand experiences usually result in more reliable attitude-behavior links.

Cognitive dissonance arises when there's a mismatch between one's attitudes and behavior, prompting individuals to seek consistency by adjusting either their attitudes or behavior.
This highlights the dynamic and occasionally conflicting relationship between what we believe and how we act.

Psychological Discomfort

Psychological discomfort is the uneasy feeling experienced when there's disharmony among various elements of one's thoughts or beliefs. It's a natural human reaction to inconsistencies between actions and attitudes or beliefs. Some common sources include:

• Conflict Between Beliefs: Holding two contradictory beliefs at the same time.
• Unmet Expectations: When reality doesn't match preconceived notions or desires.
• Changes and Transitions: Adjusting to new situations or changes in life, like starting a new job.

In the context of cognitive dissonance, psychological discomfort acts as a motivator for change. People strive to reduce this discomfort by restoring harmony among their beliefs and behaviors.
Understanding psychological discomfort helps in recognizing why individuals might adjust their attitudes or behaviors, seeking to align them more closely and relieve any dissonance.

Leon Festinger

Leon Festinger was a renowned American social psychologist best known for developing the theory of cognitive dissonance. He was a pivotal figure in behavioral psychology, shifting focus onto how people strive for internal consistency.
Festinger's theory gained prominence by highlighting that humans have an innate desire to maintain consistency between their beliefs and behaviors. When inconsistencies occur, individuals feel uncomfortable, leading them to adjust aspects of their cognition to lessen the discomfort.

• Educational Background: Festinger received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, where he studied under Kurt Lewin.
• Key Contributions: Besides cognitive dissonance, he worked on social comparison theory, which explores how people evaluate themselves by comparing with others.
• Legacy: Festinger's work laid the foundation for modern social psychology, influencing countless areas such as decision-making, attitude change, and social influence.

Through his groundbreaking work, Festinger profoundly shaped our understanding of how cognitive and social forces interact in shaping human behavior.