hink of a time when you experienced Cognitive Dissonance. What caused the disson
ID: 3448877 • Letter: H
Question
hink of a time when you experienced Cognitive Dissonance. What caused the dissonance? In other words, what were the dissonant cognitions you held and/or what were the behavior and cognition that were in conflict? How did the Cognitive Dissonance make you feel and/or what did it make you think? What did you find yourself doing to get rid of the dissonance? If you cannot think of an example from your own life and/or if you are not comfortable sharing one, it’s okay if you use an example from another source, such as someone else you know, a book or T.V. character, or a public figure. Make sure to cite your sources if you consult with an outside source. To receive full credit, you must write in complete sentences. It is okay if you number your answers, but make sure to write in complete sentences.
Explanation / Answer
Cognitive Dissonance refers to inconsistency or conflict in thoughts, beliefs and behaviour. Leon Festinger introduced the theory of cognitive dissonance and emphasized on the fact that every individual has an inner drive which focuses on holding our thoughts, beliefs and attitude in harmony and avoiding dissonance or disharmony.
I have experienced cognitive dissonance. My aunt who lives across the world came to visit me and my family after nearly 10 years. She barely knew us and I barely knew her. She got us all some gifts. When she handed over my gift to me, I wasn't too pleased with her choice of gift. However, I had to tell her how much I loved it and continued to appreciate it. I found myself doing opposite to what my thoughts were in that moment.
I believe in honesty and my thoughts are mostly guided by my beliefs and attitude. Cognitive dissonance occurred when I could not tell her that I did not like the gift she got me. I resorted to Forced-Compliance Behaviour which caused the dissonance. I was forced to say something that I did not want to say.
However, in order to get rid of the dissonance, I just aligned my thoughts in a way where I focused on the positives. I rationalised and realised that I would have probably not liked it at all if she got nothing for me. She at least thought of me and got me something. It is the thought that matters. That is how I found myself at peace and my thoughts and beliefs were back in harmony.
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