Test 3 Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Question 1

what are some assumptions about human cognition

Answer 1

• people have need for cognitive consistency
• when inconsistent, ppl experience psychological discomfort
• discomfort motivates ppl to resolve inconsistency and restore balance

Question 2

what are some types of relations among cognitive elements

Answer 2

• irrelevant
• consonant
• dissonant

Question 3

explain irrelevant relations among cognitive elements

Answer 3

two cognition elements have nothing to do with each other

Question 4

explain consonant relations among cognitive elements

Answer 4

one cognitive element follows from the other (im a good study…i study a lot)

Question 5

explain dissonant relations among cognitive elements

Answer 5

one cognitive element is inconsistent w/ the other (im pro health…i smoke)

Question 6

what is consonance

Answer 6

exists when two or more cognitions are consistent with one another (im good @ math…on math team)

Question 7

what is dissonance

Answer 7

exists when two or more cognitions are inconsistent with one another (im not good @ basketball…on basketball team)

Question 8

what happens when there is greater dissonance

Answer 8

greater motivation to reduce it

Question 9

what is the magnitude of dissonance determined by

Answer 9

• the IMPORTANT of the dissonant elements
• your INVOLVEMENT in the issue - engagement
• PROPORTION OF CONSONANCE to dissonant relations among relevant elements in the cognitive system

Question 10

what are some methods of reducing dissonance

Answer 10

• change cognitive element related to the behavior (the decision)
• change cognitive element related to the attitude
• add a new cognitive element

Question 11

how do we apply cognitive dissonance theory

Answer 11

• make audience aware of dissonant elements (behaviors inconsistent w/ attitude/beliefs)
• provide means to regain consonance (must be clear & obvious)

Question 12

What happened during the Festinger & Carlsmith study (dissonance)

Answer 12

• participants perform dull tasks
• told need to introduce study to next patient
• require to say fun
• participant paid $1(low justification) or $2(high justification)
• introducing dull task as exciting created dissonance
• amt paid affected perceptions, more money, more justifiable behavior.