Political Science 2231E Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Cognitive Dissonance, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bruce Russett

• School: Western University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: Political Science 2231E
• Professor: Richard Van de Wetering

Document Summary

If we understand how humans function as animals, we would have a better understanding of how international relations works. Understanding can lead to better prediction on how humans will make decisions. Bounded rationality we can act rationally, but are limited by: If we don"t have relative facts we will have difficulties. Policy makers have to deal with bounded rationalities point is that they may be completely wrong in thier assumptions. Discount information that is unfavourable to their point of view (uncomfortable facts) Mental tool or frame of reference which helps an individual sort and evaluate information. Help to tell us what"s important and what we can ignore. Deciding small things is better/easier less at stake, more information to handle. People have psych traits which help explain their political behaviour. Theorists suggests that there are general rules on how we act within a group. We act in accordance with our roles you act accordingly due to your role and situation.