PSYC 2230 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Cognitive Dissonance, Balance Theory, Statistical Hypothesis Testing

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2230
• Professor: Pauline Charlton

Document Summary

Cognitive consistency theory: a group of theories that share the same assumption that humans have a preference for consistency in their cognitions, attitudes and behaviours. Inconsistencies of the individual has consistency in these can generate motivation; similar to a state of tension: balance theory. Heider believed that a tendency exists for relationships between people and objects to be balanced. Relationships may be positive or negative (liking or disliking) It has little to say about how a person will resolve the imbalance. Does not take into account the importance of the items that are out of balance. How much imbalance must occur before behaviour is triggered. In reality there is a continuum of balance. Those three problems are all part of a bigger issue - it lacks specificity: cognitive dissonance. We attempt to maintain consistency of our beliefs, attitudes and opinions with our overt behaviour. Only when cognitions are dissonant, motivation is activated to resolve it.