Cognitive Dissonance Theory Taylor Blackwell

The distressing mental state caused by inconsistency between a person's two beliefs or a belief and an action. 1. Smoking is dangerous to my health. 2. I smoke cigarettes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76nhIfp9gr0

Examples

Reducing Dissonance Between Actions and Attitudes Hypothesis 1: Selective Exposure Prevents Dissonance The tendency people have to avoid information that would create cognitive dissonance because it’s incompatible with their current beliefs. Ex. Political views

Reducing Dissonance Between Actions and Attitudes Hypothesis 2: Postdecision Dissonance Creates a Need for Reassurance Strong doubts experienced after making an important, close-call decision that is difficult to reverse. Ex. The Walking Dead

Reducing Dissonance Between Actions and Attitudes Hypothesis 3: Minimal Justification for Action Induces a Shift in Attitude A claim that the best way to stimulate an attitude change in others is to offer just enough incentive to elicit counterattitudinal behavior. Ex. Marlboro Man

“Would I lie for a dollar?” Counterattitudinal advocacy- Publicly urging others to believe or do something that is opposed to what the advocate actually believes She: “I heard it was boring.” He: “Oh no, it’s really quite fun.”