Weekly Exploration Journal: Unit 3
Cognitive Dissonance: Unraveling Internal Conflicts
In exploring this week’s readings, the concept of cognitive dissonance particularly captured my attention. This psychological phenomenon, first proposed by Leon Festinger in 1957, describes the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values, or when new information conflicts with existing beliefs (Cooper, 2019). As I delved deeper into this topic, I found myself reflecting on its relevance to my own experiences and its potential impact on human behavior.
Learning about cognitive dissonance has been enlightening, as it provides a framework for understanding why people sometimes behave in ways that seem inconsistent with their stated beliefs. The theory posits that when individuals encounter information that challenges their existing beliefs, they experience psychological discomfort, which motivates them to reduce this dissonance (Harmon-Jones & Mills, 2019). This reduction can occur through various means, such as changing one’s beliefs, acquiring new information that supports existing beliefs, or reducing the importance of the conflicting cognitions.
As I consider the application of this concept to my own life, numerous examples come to mind. One particularly salient instance occurred when I decided to continue eating meat despite my growing concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The dissonance between my dietary habits and my evolving values created a palpable sense of unease. To resolve this conflict, I initially found myself seeking out information that justified my meat consumption, such as articles emphasizing the nutritional benefits of animal protein. However, as the dissonance persisted, I eventually decided to gradually reduce my meat intake, aligning my behavior more closely with my evolving beliefs.
This personal experience illustrates how cognitive dissonance can serve as a catalyst for change. It demonstrates that the discomfort associated with holding conflicting beliefs can motivate individuals to reassess their attitudes and behaviors, potentially leading to personal growth and development (McGrath, 2017). Moreover, understanding this concept has made me more aware of the cognitive processes underlying my decision-making and has encouraged me to critically examine the consistency between my beliefs and actions.
Looking toward the future, I anticipate that my awareness of cognitive dissonance will influence various aspects of my life. In academic pursuits, it may prompt me to approach new information with greater openness, recognizing that encountering ideas that challenge my existing beliefs can be an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a threat to my worldview. In personal relationships, this understanding might enhance my empathy towards others who are grappling with their own internal conflicts, fostering more compassionate and supportive interactions.
Furthermore, the concept of cognitive dissonance has implications for my relationships with others. Recognizing that people often experience discomfort when confronted with information that contradicts their beliefs helps me approach disagreements with greater patience and understanding. Instead of becoming frustrated when someone seems resistant to changing their viewpoint, I can now appreciate the psychological mechanisms at play and engage in more constructive dialogues.
Reflecting on what I thought I knew about human behavior before studying cognitive dissonance, I realize that I often assumed people’s actions were always in line with their stated beliefs. This new understanding has changed my perspective, highlighting the complexity of human cognition and behavior. It has made me more aware of the internal struggles individuals may face when their actions don’t align with their values, and how this misalignment can drive change or rationalization.
In conclusion, exploring the concept of cognitive dissonance has provided valuable insights into human behavior, including my own. It has enhanced my understanding of the psychological processes underlying decision-making and attitude change. Moving forward, I anticipate that this knowledge will continue to influence my personal growth, academic pursuits, and interactions with others, fostering a more nuanced and empathetic approach to navigating the complexities of human cognition and behavior.
References:
Cooper, J. (2019). Cognitive dissonance: Where we’ve been and where we’re going. International Review of Social Psychology, 32(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.277
Harmon-Jones, E., & Mills, J. (2019). An introduction to cognitive dissonance theory and an overview of current perspectives on the theory. In E. Harmon-Jones (Ed.), Cognitive dissonance: Reexamining a pivotal theory in psychology (2nd ed., pp. 3-24). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000135-001
McGrath, A. (2017). Dealing with dissonance: A review of cognitive dissonance reduction. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 11(12), e12362. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12362
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UNIT 3: WEEKLY EXPLORATION JOURNAL
For this assignment, we continue our learning about and applying a different psychological concept to our personal and/or professional lives. Of the many ways that we can learn the many concepts from the book, applying the information helps us learn more on a deeper level as well as aid us in organizing and articulating our thoughts and feelings.Choose at least one concept that interests you from the textbook chapter (s) of the week. You can write about:
What you learned about the topic
Your thoughts and feelings about the topic
How the topic could be applied to your life
Any examples that pertain to the topic that might have occurred in your life
How the topic might influence your future
How the topic might influence your relationship with others
What you thought you knew and what might have changed your mind
See the attached document attached document – Alternative Formats for complete instructions and grading rubric. Submit your completed assignment to the above submission link by 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday of Unit 3.
PSY101 – Fundamentals of
Psychology I
Weekly Exploration Journal
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Sunday of Each Unit
Points: 100
Overview:
Each week we will be learning about and applying a different concept to our personal
and/or professional lives. Of the many ways that we can learn the many concepts that
are covered in class, applying the concepts helps us learn the information on a deeper
level as well as aid us in organizing and articulating our thoughts and feelings.
Instructions:
Choose at least one concept that interests you from the textbook chapter (s) of the
week. You can write about:
• What you learned about the topic
• Your thoughts and feelings about the topic
• How the topic could be applied to your life
• Any examples that pertain to the topic that might have occurred in your
life.
• How the topic might influence your future
• How the topic might influence your relationship with others
• What you thought you knew and what might have changed your mind
Requirements:
• There is no word length requirement for your journal entries.
• Please use proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and full
sentences.
• You do not need to cite and reference the textbook, but you do
need to write in your own words.
Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before
you write and again after you write.
Evaluation Rubric for Journal Assignment.
CRITERIA .
