Cognitive+Dissonance

Hi Jeannette ... I added this to the Wiki - will see how it 'cuts and pastes' - so any additions you have, please put in the class Wiki. ;-) thanks


 * Cognitive Dissonance**


 * Theory**: Cognitive Dissonance is described as the psychological phenomenon that happens when incoming information contradicts what one already knows or believes. According to the theory of cognitive dissonance, when people are faced with discrepant information they are motivated to resolve it, or to reduce the dissonance. Resolving dissonance can be accomplished by changing beliefs, attitudes, and actions. As well, cognitive dissonance is also reduced through denying, blaming, or justifying.


 * Hmmm ... how do you insert a picture from creative commons? Do you know? Here is the web for the image I wanted:**
 * http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CognitiveDissonanceDiagram.jpg I don't think this is the correct way to go about it.**

See email communications! JJ


 * http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CognitiveDissonanceDiagram.jpg**


 * Key Contributors**: Leon Festinger

Feelings of cognitive dissonance can interfere with learning if new information/ideas contradict what is already known. In this case, learners may become resistant to the new learning. Festinger's early research focused on a cult that believed that the end of the world was imminent: it was predicted that floods would destroy the world. Festinger and colleagues believed that the prophecy would arouse dissonance when it failed to be realized. The study has been published in the book [|When Prophecy Fails] and provides a interesting account of cult member reactions.
 * Practical Applications of Theory** (Examples):

Consider another example of cognitive dissonance at work: A young boy in grade one asked his teacher which planet was the hottest. Although the teacher did not know for sure, through conversation they decided that most likely it would be Mercury, the closest planet to the sun. A second teacher in the class did a quick Google search, checked [|NASA's] website, and found that in fact Venus is the hottest planet. Upon hearing this news, the boy refused to believe it - he walked away in a huff saying, "Stupid NASA!" The new learning contradicted what the boy already 'knew' and resulted in his resistance to learning.


 * Multimedia**:

Festinger, L. (1962). Cognitive Dissonance. // Scientific American //, 207(4), 93-102. Festinger, L. (1957). //A theory of cognitive dissonance.// Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
 * Publications**: Journal articles and websites.

http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/dissonance.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/dissonance.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance
 * Sources**: