1. Cognitive Dissonance By: Paige Knippenberg

2. Cognitive Dissonance Theory Developed by Leon Festinger in 1957 States that there is a tendency for individuals to seek consistency among their cognitions (opinions and beliefs) Inconsistency=dissonance and is characterized by an uncomfortable feeling Occurs between two beliefs or a belief and a behavior Something must change to eliminate the dissonance

3. Eliminating Dissonance 1. Reduce the importance of the conflicting beliefs 2. Acquire new beliefs that outweigh the dissonant beliefs 3. Remove the conflicting attitude or behavior

4. Example Belief that smoking causes cancer + smoking cigarettes = dissonance Motivated to eliminate dissonance by: – Changing attitude/belief – Ex: the low-tar cigarettes I smoke don’t cause cancer – Ex: the researchers were wrong or – Changing behavior (stop smoking)

5. Connection to 1984 Doublethink – A form of mental discipline whose goal, desirable and necessary to all Party members, is to believe two contradictory truths at the same time – Ex: Party slogans: “War is Peace”, “Freedom is Slavery”, “Ignorance is Strength” – Ex: Ministry Names: Ministry of Peace wages war, Ministry of Truth tells lies, Ministry of Love tortures, Ministry of Plenty starves

6. O’Brien Consummate embodiment of doublethink in 1984 Winston’s seducer and betrayer, protector and destroyer Believes in the regime he serves, but can perfectly impersonate someone committed to its overthrow

7. Works Cited Hynan, Michael T. UW-Milwaukee. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 11 Jan. 2009. Kearsley, Greg. "Cognitive Dissonance (L. Festinger)." The George Washington University. George Washington University. 11 Jan. 2009. Pynchon, Thomas. "Foreword." Foreword. 1984. Orlando: Harcourt Inc., 1949.