Topic 6.

3
Cognitive Dissonance
Theory

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 Learning Outcomes

i. Describes the theory.

ii. Explain the theory applications.
iii. Discuss the relevance and critiques
of the theory.

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Dissonance

 Inconsistencies between a person’s two

beliefs or a belief and an action.

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FOUR Assumptions
▪ Human beings desire consistency in their
beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
▪ Dissonance is created by psychological
inconsistencies.
▪ Dissonance is an aversive state that drives
people to actions with measurable effects.
▪ Dissonance motivates efforts to achieve
consonance and efforts toward dissonance
reduction.
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Is it true?

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 The process…

Change
Action Belief

Change
Inconsistency Dissonance Dissonance
Action

Change
Belief Action
Perception

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Is it true?

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Integration

Communication
Tradition • Socio-Psychological

Communication
Context • Interpersonal/Intrapersonal

Approach of • Positivist
knowing • Empirical

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Critique

▪ CDT may not explain behavior .

▪ Self-concept; impression management.
Utility ▪ Need more clarity about conditions under
which dissonance leads to change.

Testability
Difficult to disprove because not acting
can be explained as a result of
insufficient dissonance, rather than the
theory being inaccurate.

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