Introduction

Whenever we hear the word Psychology, we often think about Psychopaths and crime/ horror movies.... and when I told my friends that I have taken a course on Psychology, they were little puzzled as to "Why Psychology?" and some even laughed and giggled with thier own percpetions about this subject. However after reading the subject and following quite a few forums and websites, I realized that Psychology is not as what we think and infact everybody should understand the basics discussed in this subject infact it is about human thinking, human life.


This subject helps us to gain understanding to biological, behaviourial, cognitive, humanisitic perspectives of human being and hence this blog is aimed at reassuring everyone that yes psychology is a science but it revolves around our day to day common life.

Sanjay who is my fellow colleague and class mate in M.Sc psychology will also be a co-author of this blog and together we will be posting articles on weekly basis to provide you some great insights about "Psychology"

So if you are curious to know more about this subject...Keep visiting here regularly and we assure you that this blog will keep you informed and interested.



Sunday, October 23, 2011

Cognitive Dissonance - Internal Conflict between Action and Belief



How many times people get tempted by an Ice cream/ Chocolate while you claim to be on diet?



what exactly runs in thier mind, when they become conscious about their dieting and as well as an urge temptation to eat the ice cream. They get into internal conflict between thier attitude and behaviour


This state of mind with two conflicting ideas is called Cognitive Dissonance.



There are other examples which can also be applied like


Smokker who wishes to quit smoking but still tempted to have one more cigarrette


Impulsive shopper who wants to curb thier spending but gets excited by the SALE!!!


Another example could be working on the boring job rather than pursuing thier own interests


Buying an expensive car and then doubting one's own decision. Often called Buyer's remorse.


Sitting in a boring class for the sake of attendance



Cognitive Dissonance will be reduced by justifying one's own efforts or by joining with people who have similar thought against the conventional belief.



Leon Festinger is the psychologist who coined this term for us. He also has an interesting theory on cognitive dissonance. This theory suggests that when people behave in way not consistent to thier beliefs, an internal uncomfortable tension arouses within them. This tension will lead them to change thier belief to fit to thier actions rather than bringing the action back to original belief.


Dont you all agree with this point :-)



Next time when you come across this interesting situation in your life, remember it as Cognitive Dissonance and see if you can stick to belief. This will improve your self concept.