Sociology 2233 Lecture : dissonance.docx

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 2233
• Professor: Brendan Murphy

Document Summary

Self-esteem and cognitive dissonance: nature of cognitive dissonance, the basic theory (principles, conflicting cognitions arousal dissonance: a health-conscious smoker, cognitive consonance (opposite of dissonance): what we are attempting to achieve. Theory of cognitive dissonance: dissonance: legally opposed cognitions, dissonance: arousal, magnitude of dissonance: importance of cognitions. Models of reduction someone health conscious who smokes: change cognition: quit smoking , change importance: smoking isn"t harmful , rationalize elements as not relevant: i"m not at risk , bolster now consonant elements: smoking helps me to diet . Types of cognitive dissonance: post-decision: after buying a new car thinking you made a bad decision, selective exposure: watch commercials only for your brand, social support: others disagree with you, counter-attitudinal behaviour: belief versus behaviour. Aspects of cognitive dissonance: post-decision dissonance, the importance of the decision, the permanence of the decision, the issue of low-balling , the decision of behaving immorally, justification, the importance of effort, external justification.