Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Perception Theory

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cognitive dissonance and self-perception theory as discussed in the lecture.

Cognitive Dissonance

A motivational state that arises when two cognitions conflict, leading to discomfort and a drive to resolve the inconsistency.

Attitude Change

Alteration of an individual's beliefs or feelings in response to conflicting information or experiences.

Induced Compliance

A method for creating cognitive dissonance by encouraging a person to act in a way that conflicts with their beliefs.

Effort Justification

The tendency to assign greater value to outcomes that require more effort to attain.

Post-Choice Dissonance

The conflict experienced after making a choice between two or more equally desirable options, often resolved by enhancing the attractiveness of the chosen alternative.

Self-Perception Theory

The theory that individuals infer their own attitudes and beliefs by observing their behavior and the context in which it occurs.

Cognitive Dissonance Resolution Strategies

Approaches to resolving dissonance, including changing attitudes, denying the conflict, or convincing others of one’s beliefs.

Brehm's Notion of Spreading the Alternatives

The effect of enhancing the attractiveness of a chosen option while downplaying the negatives of the rejected options after making a choice.

Prophecy from Planet Clarion

A prediction by Mrs. Marian Keech of a flood on December 21, 1954, which was claimed to be communicated to her through automatic writing.

Automatic Writing

A writing technique used by some people to produce written work without conscious thought, claimed by some to be influenced by external forces.