Cognitive Dissonance

By
Adip Shetty
Nickunj Nayak
 Cognitive
Dissonance

What is it &
why does it matter?
Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling
caused by holding conflicting ideas simultaneously.
The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that
people have a motivational drive to reduce
dissonance. They do this by changing their
attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Dissonance is also
reduced by justifying, blaming, and denying. It is one
of the most influential and extensively studied
theories in social psychology.
 The Theory
Almost half a century ago social
psychologist Leon Festinger developed
the cognitive dissonance theory
(Festinger, 1957).
Cognitive dissonance theory is based on three
fundamental assumptions

1. Humans are sensitive to

inconsistencies between actions and
beliefs
According to the theory, we all recognize, at some level,
when we are acting in a way that is inconsistent with our
beliefs/attitudes/opinions. In effect, there is a built in
alarm that goes off when we notice such an
inconsistency, whether we like it or not.
 2. Recognition of this inconsistency
will cause dissonance, and will
motivate an individual to resolve the
dissonance.
Once you recognize that you have violated one of your
principles, according to this theory, you won’t just say
"oh well". You will feel some sort of mental anguish
about this.
 3.Dissonance will be resolved in one of
three basic ways:
a. Change beliefs - Perhaps the simplest way
to resolve dissonance between actions and
beliefs is simply to change your beliefs.
b. Change actions - A second option would be
to make sure that you never do this action
again.
c. Change perception of action - A third and
more complex method of resolution is to
change the way you view/remember/perceive
your action.
 Why is Cognitive Dissonance
Important?
Cognitive dissonance plays a role in many value
judgments, decisions and evaluations. Becoming
aware of how conflicting beliefs impact the
decision-making process is a great way to
improve your ability to make faster and more
accurate choices.