PL3105 Week 3 - Social Self & Cognitive Dissonance

Importance of socialisation as showcased by chimps and dogs?

Chimps reared in social isolation fail the mirror self recognition test & Dogs raised similarly do not avoid painful stimuli

What did Kleck & Strenta (80) study showcase (scar on face)?

• Ps believed they were RAs, had makeup scar on their face which was later removed without them knowing.

• Ps subject rates how partner acted during interaction

• Ps “w/ scar” rated partner to be significantly more tense and patronising than control

What did Morse and Gergen (70) study on social comparison show? (job interview)

• Job interview with another candidate (Well dressed & Good Resume VS Opposite)

• Ps with Mr Dirty rated for themself to do better than if they were with Mr Clean

What did Cialdini (76) study on social comparison show ? (school game)

Students rep school merch is they win a game but dont if they lose. Refers to school as “we” if won, and “they” lost.

What does the term “Basking in Glory” refer to?

Enjoying attention one is getting because of one’s own success.

What does the term “Basking in Reflected Glory” refer to?

To Experience self-gratification on the success of someone with whom is associated.

How do attitudes change when self evaluation is against a friend?

Individuals will take it more seriously, favour other parties and sabotage friend. Showcases in Tesser & Cornell’s study where Ps gave clues to stranger/ friend for a game (gives significantly less clues to friend in game condition than diagnostic condition)

What is Intrinsic Motivation?

Engaging in activities for personal satisfaction or enjoyment, not external rewards.

What is Extrinsic Motivation?

Performing an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment from external sources.

What did Lepper, Greene & Nisbett (73)’ study on I vs E Motivation find? (Children & Markers)

• IV: No reward/ unexpected reward/ expected reward - for playing with markers

• DV: How long do they keep playing

• Length in decreasing order: Unexpected, no, expected

What is overjustification effect?

When external rewards reduce a person's intrinsic motivation to perform a task they already enjoy.

How does external surveillance influence intrinsic motivation?

External surveillance decreases intrinsic motivation

What is the effect of extrinsic deadlines on intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic deadlines decrease intrinsic motivation

Which is more effective in influencing behaviour: external or internal motivators

Internal motivators (e.g., guilt) are more effective than external motivators (e.g., shame) at affecting behaviour

Aspect of reward that decreases intrinsic motivation?

Controlling (reward for participation, physical reward)

Aspect of reward that increases intrinsic motivation?

Competence-signalling (reward for performance, praise)

Positive and Negative applications of cognitive dissonance? (3ea)

+) Help people lose weight

+) Promote use of condoms

+) Get ppl to abid by COVID19 guidelines

-) Manipulation & Abusing Relationship

-) Perpetuate discrimination

-) Scapegoating

*Basically can influence other’s behaviour

What is Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

People are driven to minimise inconsistency between their cognitions

(Cognitions are representation in our minds of internal or external events)

Dissonance (inconsistency between cognition and reality) can be reduced by altering one’s cognition (values, attitudes or perspectives)

Instances that cognitive inconsistency/ dissonance may occur (4)

• believe one thing and do another

• make choice knowing theres reasons to make a difference choice

• suffer to attain mid goal

• expect an event that does not happen

How did Festinger, Riecken & Schachter (56) study on the seekers showcase cognitive dissonance?

When the Seekers' prophecy failed, they experienced cognitive dissonance. To reduce the discomfort, they sought for reasons it failed then reinforced their belief by claiming their faith had saved the world, rather than accepting the failure of the prophecy.

Cognitive Dissonance Formula

*by changing belief to they saved the world and reality that the world still exists, they decreases dissonance

3 Ways to resolve dissonance

• Change cognition

• Add cognition

• Change importance
  * Spreading of alternatives —> finding more pros in the slightly better option and cons in the slightly worse option although they are quite similar

How did Festinger & Carlsmith (59) showcase Induced compliance?

• V boring experimental task

• Ps asked to tell another P that the task was fun… (some paid $1, some paid $20)

• Those who were paid $1 enjoyed the overall exp more than those paid $20

  • $1 experienced cognitive dissonance because the small reward was insufficient to justify the lie. To resolve this discomfort, they changed their attitudes and genuinely rated the task as more enjoyable.

  • $20 did not experience significant dissonance because the large reward provided sufficient external justification for lying. As a result, their attitudes toward the task remained negative.

  • Control group: These participants, who did not lie, maintained their initial negative attitudes toward the task.