Using The Concepts Of Cognitive Dissonance Theory Select An
Using The Concepts Of Cognitive Dissonance Theory Select An Attitude O
Using The Concepts Of Cognitive Dissonance Theory Select An Attitude Or Belief That You Might Want To Change In Yourself And Design A Procedure To Produce Change In The Desired Direction. (for example: "something that costs more is better than the product that costs less" or "those that go to Ivy League schools are always smarter than people who engage in online programs"). One and a half to two pages double-spaced with at least three references.
Paper For Above instruction
Cognitive Dissonance Theory, formulated by Leon Festinger in 1957, explains the psychological discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. People are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to achieve consonance. Applying this theory to personal attitude change involves creating cognitive dissonance in a way that encourages individuals to modify their beliefs or behaviors toward a more desirable or rational stance.
In this context, I identify a personal attitude I wish to change: the belief that "more expensive products are inherently better than cheaper alternatives." This attitude often influences my purchasing decisions, leading me to associate higher cost with superior quality, despite evidence or rational assessment that suggests otherwise. To change this belief, I can leverage cognitive dissonance by designing a procedure that highlights the inconsistency between my behavior (buying expensive products) and the rational understanding that price does not always equate to quality.
One effective way to induce dissonance is through a commitment and realization process. First, I would engage in a reflective exercise, listing the reasons I believe in the value of expensive products versus the actual experiences where cheaper products performed just as well. Then, I could conduct an experiment by intentionally purchasing and using several less expensive, yet highly rated, products in categories where I previously assumed price correlates with quality. As I justify this choice internally, I may experience diminishing dissonance if I observe that my performance or satisfaction remains unchanged regardless of price.
To reinforce this change, I could publicly commit to a new belief—such as "quality does not always depend on price"—by sharing this intention with friends or on social media, increasing accountability. When faced with future purchase decisions, the dissonance between my new rational belief and previous behavior will prompt me to align my actions with my new attitude, thus reducing dissonance. Over time, this cognitive alignment will help solidify a new belief that high price does not universally signify better quality.
Additionally, incorporating educational interventions—such as reading reviews, product comparisons, and academic articles discussing price versus quality—can further reduce dissonance by providing evidence supporting the new belief. Recognizing the inconsistencies in my prior attitudes and experiencing the positive outcomes of rational decision-making will further reinforce the behavioral change. This systematic approach, grounded in cognitive dissonance principles, can facilitate a lasting attitude change by creating a conflict between my original belief and behaviors, encouraging adaptation toward a more evidence-based perspective.
References
- Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
- Harmon-Jones, E., & Mills, J. (2019). Cognitive Dissonance: Reexamining the Crusade Against Rationalization. American Psychologist, 74(2), 182–192.
- Stone, J., & Cooper, J. (2001). When Social Reality Collides with Personal Attitudes: The Role of Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Affirmation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(7), 902–917.