AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Dissonance is an aversive state that drives people to actions with measurable effects. Dissonance motivates efforts to achieve consonance and efforts toward dissonance reduction. a model of human nature that is concerned with stability and consistency.

Detailed explanation-2: -The central thesis of cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger, 1957) is that when two beliefs are inconsistent, individuals experience negatively arousing cognitive conflict (called dissonance). Because the dissonance is aversive, the individuals try to reduce it by changing one or the other beliefs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Festinger’s (1957) cognitive dissonance theory suggests that we have an inner drive to hold all our attitudes and behavior in harmony and avoid disharmony (or dissonance). This is known as the principle of cognitive consistency.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cognitive dissonance is purported to be a powerful motivator for change. People find consistency comfortable and prefer to be consistent in their thoughts, beliefs, emotions, values, attitudes, and actions. When inconsistency exists, an individual feels an imbalance or dissonance.

Detailed explanation-5: -The psychologist Leon Festinger came up with the concept in 1957. In his book A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, Festinger proposed that two ideas can be consonant or dissonant. Consonant ideas logically flow from one another, while dissonant ideas oppose one another.