What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these

theories?
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE THEORY

STRENGTHS

For Cognitive Dissonance Theory, there are several strengths as well as weaknesses embodied
such as:

 It emphasizes a state wherein a person will change or alter their behavior in various
situations.
- Based on my observation, CDT do help to change or alternate a person’s behavior to
decide for themselves in midst of dissonance. Dissonance is where there is conflict
occur. The ethics moral of a person will be tested which to choose, the right or wrong
way.
 There is presence of persuasion specifically called induced compliance.
 CDT can predict a person’s thought and behavior after deciding which is called post-
decisional dissonance.

WEAKNESSES

On the other hand, the Cognitive Dissonance Theory have weaknesses.

 It cannot predict on how to reduce the dissonance due to weak testability.

 Since it cannot specifically predict, it needs to qualify the statement through experiment
to support the CDT.
 According to some researchers, CDT is not the main concept to explain the change of
attitude.

ELABORATION LIKELIHOOD THEORY

STRENGTHS

For Elaboration Likelihood Theory, there are several strengths that will be mentioned. This is
according combining research and observation.

 A good model wherein gives you a framework on how best to persuade someone.
 Central and peripheral can be used simultaneously.
WEAKNESSES

Moreover, ELM also have weaknesses.

 There’s no specific formulation of persuasion but rather it depends on the elaboration

level of message that the ELM will be at its best.

What specific communicative situations can each of the two

theories be applied? What would the application of these two
theories bring to light about these communication situations
that you cited?
I think that Cognitive Dissonance Theory occurs all the time in our everyday lives. Personally, I
always experience this when it comes to where my belief and behavior conflicts with each other.
For instance, I committed to do social media detox for 21 days to eliminate my social media
addiction. This addiction is not healthy to the point I do sleep deprivation and take tolls on my
mental health. However, my action conflicts what I am committed to which is I still let social
media consumption almost my 24 hours of my day. This where I experience Cognitive
Dissonance. App

Given the contrasting nature of both theories that you stated

earlier on, is it possible to apply them in a complementary
way? What would a complementary application of CDT and
ELM put into perspective the communication situations that
you stated above? (At this point, you may only choose one
situation to expound.)
Khan & Yuosf (2012), Cognitive Dissonance Theory: A Research Study and Associated Examples from
Pakistan, https://www.opfblog.com/12670/cognitive-dissonance-theory-a-research-study-and-
associated-examples-from-pakistan/

Elaboration Likelihood Model Persuasion Theory, https://thinkinsights.net/leadership/elaboration-

likelihood-model/#advantages