Application of Cognitive Dissonance

by Andrea Scislo

Last night, I briefly explained Leon Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory to my three roommates. I asked them to think of a way that the theory applies to their lives. After a little discussion, they all agreed on one particular application; skipping a class here at Ohio University.

We've all done it at one time or another. Chances are that there has not always been a valid excuse involved. Most college classes do not require attendance, but it is still crucial to attend class. Most students realize this. Yet, every now and then, there seems to be something that may seem more interesting than sitting in a stuffy classroom listening to a professor lecture while you copiously take notes. There are many tempting options. Whether it be sitting outside on a nice day, or catching up on some sleep, the temptation exists. Most college students are responsible about attending class. They realize that college is an opportunity and should not be taken for granted. Even the most motivated student may miss one or two classes a quarter. This may be rationalized to convince themselves that maybe they "deserved" the break from class, although they may not believe it themselves.

This example explains Leon Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory. Basically, the theory is applied when people "find themselves doing things that do not fit with what they know, or having opinions that do not fit with the other opinions they hold" (Griffin 206). Festinger suggests three ways to reduce dissonance between your attitudes and what you actually do.

Hypothesis 1: Selective Exposure Prevents Dissonance

By exposing ourselves to people that are similar to us, we prevent any chance of discomfort. People avoid information that causes dissonance. If only you would have gotten more sleep or planned to be outdoors after class; you would have avoided skipping class. In turn, dissonance would not be an issue.

Hypothesis 2: Postdecision Dissonance Creates a Need for

Reassurance

According to Festinger "close-call decisions can generate huge amounts of internal tension after the decision has been made" (Griffin 208). Many college students make a rash decision to skip a class. During the time you should be in class, you may being it worry if there was a pop quiz in class that day. You begin to wonder if skipping one hour of class was really worth it. This is where you begin to rationalize in search of reassurance. You may convince yourself that you deserve a day off. Or you may keep telling yourself that there are people that skip classes everyday. This is when you begining to wonder "what's the harm in missing one class?" All of this reassurance makes you feel better about your decision.

Hypothesis 3: Minimal Justification for Action Induces a Shift in Attitude

This hypothesis deals with the difference between public compliance and private acceptance. Basically, the idea is that your behavior influences your attitudes, instead of vice versa. Being tired determined that you felt class was not important that day, and you chose not to attend.



For more information about Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory try these links:
Link #1

Link #2

Back to Title Page

The focus of the Cognitive Dissonance Theory is an attitude change. According to the Social Judgement Theory, once we judge a message, we will adjust our attitude to accommodate the new input. For more information on the Social Judgement Theory, Click Here!


Griffin, EM. A First Look at Communication Theory. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1997. 3rd Ed.

Last Updated March 12, 2000