In This Assignment, You Will Assess Your Attitudes And ✓ Solved

In this assignment, you will assess how your attitudes and

In this assignment, you will assess how your attitudes and behaviors connect in order to understand how cognitive dissonance as a cognitive process can influence the way you think and what attitudes you hold. This assignment is divided into three parts, so it is suggested that you begin working on it in advance.

Part I: Pick a debatable issue that you think is important to address in society today (e.g., universal healthcare). Write a paragraph discussing why you care about and agree with the importance of this issue, and why others should care about this issue as well. Allow one day before moving on to the next part.

Part II: Make sure at least one day has passed since writing the first paragraph. Now, write another paragraph detailing what you personally do to promote this viewpoint. What actions do you take to support this cause? How have you specifically contributed to promoting this issue in the recent past? You will include both of these paragraphs in your essay.

Part III: To complete your essay, identify your chosen topic in an introductory section and include your paragraphs from Parts I and II. Then, reflect on your previous responses by addressing the following points. a. Discuss the differences between your arguments from the first paragraph (in which you show the importance of the topic) and the second paragraph (in which you discuss how you personally act on your viewpoint). Are your attitudes about the importance of the issue reflected in your behaviors (i.e., is there dissonance between your attitudes and your behaviors)? How do you feel about the level of dissonance between your attitudes and behaviors? b. Elaborate on whether you think that your opinion of the importance of this topic has changed, particularly thinking about your initial thoughts on the topic before you wrote either paragraph. c. Briefly describe how experiencing cognitive dissonance about a debatable issue may make a person more susceptible to social influence, such as conformity, from others who hold opposing opinions. Throughout your discussion, incorporate research on cognitive dissonance from your textbook or another resource to support your claims. Your response should be at least two pages in length, and you must use at least two sources as references, one of which may be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. Please format your paper and all citations in accordance with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

Cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon where an individual experiences discomfort due to conflicting beliefs or behaviors, plays a crucial role in shaping opinions and actions in the face of societal issues. This paper will explore the connection between attitudes and behaviors related to the vital issue of universal healthcare, a topic that significantly impacts the well-being of society. In part one, I will discuss the reasons for advocating universal healthcare, followed by my personal contributions to promoting this viewpoint. The reflection on cognitive dissonance will conclude the essay, examining how it influences individual perspectives and societal conformity.

Part I: Importance of Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare is essential for ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary medical services, regardless of their financial status. Many people in society suffer due to a lack of access to basic healthcare, which can lead to severe health disparities and increased mortality rates. I care about this issue deeply because I believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the necessity for universal healthcare, as access to medical services proved critical to managing public health crises. Others should care about this issue as it affects everyone's health outcomes and the overall quality of life within communities. Ensuring that all citizens can receive proper medical care fosters a healthier society and ultimately reduces healthcare costs in the long run (Wilensky et al., 2020).

Part II: Personal Contributions to Promote Universal Healthcare

To promote universal healthcare, I actively engage in advocacy and raise awareness within my community. Recently, I volunteered with local health organizations focused on educating the public about healthcare rights and available services. Additionally, I participate in awareness campaigns that aim to influence policymakers towards the enactment of healthcare reforms that incorporate universal access. My involvement extends to attending town hall meetings where I express my views on the urgency of adopting universal healthcare policies. By leveraging social media, I also share informative content with my network, sparking discussions surrounding the importance of universal healthcare. My efforts aim to create a ripple effect that encourages others to voice their opinions and support this vital cause.

Reflection on Cognitive Dissonance

a. Analyzing the differences between my two paragraphs reveals that while I passionately advocate for the importance of universal healthcare, my personal actions have only recently aligned with these beliefs. Initially, my arguments emphasized that healthcare access is essential to society, reflecting my strong conviction. However, my previous lack of active engagement highlighted a dissonance between my attitude and actions. This discomfort prompted me to become more involved in advocating for healthcare reform. I feel that the level of dissonance I experienced has motivated me to take steps towards aligning my beliefs and behaviors, ultimately enhancing my commitment to the cause.

b. Reflecting on my initial thoughts, I realize that my opinion on the importance of universal healthcare has been cemented through the research I conducted and the discussions I have had. Initially, I perceived universal healthcare as a distant goal; however, with the knowledge gained from these activities and my personal engagement, I now view it as an achievable necessity for societal welfare. This evolution stems from my deepening understanding of historical healthcare issues and personal anecdotes from those affected by inadequate healthcare access.

c. Experiencing cognitive dissonance about a debatable issue can significantly influence a person’s susceptibility to social influences, such as conformity. Individuals grappling with discomfort stemming from conflicting beliefs may seek validation from others who share opposing views, leading to potential shifts in opinion. This conformity can result in individuals downplaying the importance of their original stance or adjusting their beliefs to align with social norms. Understanding cognitive dissonance emphasizes the need for open and honest discussions about contentious issues like healthcare, as it fosters an environment where varying opinions can coexist and possibly lead to a greater understanding and resolution (Festinger, 1957; Miller, 2003).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assessment of my attitudes and behaviors towards universal healthcare underscores the significance of cognitive dissonance in influencing perspectives and actions. By recognizing and addressing the dissonance between my beliefs and behaviors, I have been motivated to take a proactive stance in advocating for essential healthcare reforms. Through continued engagement and education, I hope to contribute to a societal shift towards universal healthcare, showcasing the importance of every individual’s health and well-being.

References

• Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.
• Miller, D. T. (2003). The social psychology of identity. Personality and Social Psychology Review.
• Wilensky, G. R., et al. (2020). Universal health care: The role of the United States. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(3), 328-339.
• Smith, S. G., & Muncie, H. J. (2019). Health policy: A critical perspective. Routledge.
• Gollust, S. E., Nagler, R. H., & Fowler, E. F. (2020). The evolving role of social media in health communication: Implications for public health. Health Affairs, 39(10), 1700-1708.
• Berger, J., & Schwartz, D. (2011). What drives immediate and continued word of mouth? Journal of Marketing Research, 48(5), 871-882.
• Thompson, M. M. (2018). Conformity under cognitive dissonance: The influence of conflicting information. The Journal of Social Psychology, 158(5), 563-578.
• Branscombe, N. R. & Turner, J. C. (2019). The social identity perspective in social psychology: Theoretical implications in political mobilization. Psychological Bulletin, 145(3), 287-313.
• Holland, R. W., & van Knippenberg, D. (2011). The effects of cognitive dissonance on interpersonal communication. Social Influence, 6(4), 284-297.
• Petty, R. E., & Cacioppo, J. T. (1986). Communication and persuasion: Central and peripheral routes to attitude change. Springer.