Cognitive Dissonance Scenario Analysis

Medium Unit 9: Social Psychology Attitudes And Actions

In the context of social psychology, attitudes refer to evaluations of people, objects, or ideas that can influence behavior. This relationship between attitudes and actions can often be complex, due in part to the influence of cognitive dissonance. According to Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, when a person's attitudes and behaviors are inconsistent, they experience psychological discomfort. This discomfort may lead to a change in either their attitude or their behavior.

Considering these concepts, which of the following scenarios illustrates the principles of cognitive dissonance in action?

A person who smokes believes smoking is harmful to their health, but continues to smoke for social reasons.

A student works hard to achieve good grades, believing that it will help them get into a good college.

An activist advocates strongly for environmental protection but does not recycle personally.

A teacher encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities without undermining their academic performance.

A consumer buys a new smartphone despite knowing it is overpriced, because it has the latest features.

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