Ch 4 - Behavior and Attitudes Part 2: Feb 9

By day 2, guards were clearly ‘into their roles’. Sadistic, cruel behaviors. Prisoners had become passive, some had to leave the experiment due to distress. Not secluded - family and friends visited, chaplain, ‘lawyers’. No one complained about treatment. Stanford Prison Experiment (continued)

Experiment called off by Day 6. How/Why? This experiment wouldn’t take place today –Why? –What are Zimbardo’s views of this? Stanford Prison Experiment

The power of the situation is huge. Roles determined behavior to a large extent. Remember - NO differences in students before the experiment (random assignment). Behaviors --> Attitudes?? Applications? Lessons from the SPE

Overview of Attitude Theories Cognitive dissonance theory – justify our actions to reduce our discomfort Self-presentation theory – express attitudes that make us seem consistent. Self-perception theory – when uncertain about our beliefs, we look at our behavior for clues. Self-verification theory – we have a need to seek confirmation of our self-concept, whether it is pos or neg.

Cognitive Dissonance 1 powerful determinant of our behavior is the need to preserve a positive self-image. When we do something to cause us discomfort because it goes against our usual self-image, cognitive dissonance results. 3 ways to reduce dissonance:

Festinger’s Cog Diss research Boring experiment – then asked to lie to another ‘subject’ & say it was interesting. Then, measured attitudes… Who was more likely to be positive – those paid $1 or $20? Insufficient justification – how does it work?

Cognitive Dissonance (cont) Use only enough incentive to get someone to internalize the attitude. –Internal justification Go overboard  they need the incentive to do the behavior. –External justification What is our tendency after deciding betw 2 equally attractive options?

Application to child behavior/values Does threat of harsh punishment work? Example of bullying in children –How can we get children to internalize values of not bullying younger siblings? –Aronson study of mild/harsh punishment for playing w/forbidden toys –Did self-persuasion have a long-lasting effect?

Self-Presentation Impression management causes change in attitudes. Adjust our attitudes to be consistent with behaviors But….sometimes express our new attitudes to those who haven’t seen our behaviors.

Self-Perception Theory When unsure of our attitudes, we look at our behavior as if we are observers. Rate cartoons as funnier if holding pen between teeth & using smiling muscles (facial feedback hypothesis). Also suggest unnecessary rewards have hidden cost. Overjustification effect- what is it?

Self-verification theory The need to seek confirmation of our self- concept whether it is pos or negative –Can sometimes conflict w/need to maintain favorable view of oneself –If negative self-concept, what is the dilemma? When do negative self-concept people feel dissonance? Summary of theories?