Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is an anxiety caused when you hold conflicting cognitions (e.g., ideas, beliefs, values, emotional reactions) simultaneously. In a state of dissonance, people may experience surprise, dread, guilt, anger, or embarrassment.

“Dissonance between family and school, therefore, is not only inevitable in a changing society; it also helps to make children more malleable and responsive to a changing world. By the same token, one could say that absolute homogeneity between family and school would reflect a static, authoritarian society and discourage creative, adaptive development in children.” by Sara Lawrence Lightfoot

Examples of Cognitive Dissonance

People tend to seek consistency in their beliefs and perceptions. So what happens when one of our beliefs conflicts with another previously held belief? The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the feeling of discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs and behaviors, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance can occur in many areas of life, but it is particularly evident in situations where an individual’s behavior conflicts with beliefs that are integral to his or her self-identity. For example, consider a situation in which a woman who values financial security is in a relationship with a man who is financially irresponsible.

The conflict:

• It is important for her to be financially secure.
• She is dating a man who is financially unstable.

In order to reduce this dissonance between belief and behavior, she can either leave the relationship or reduce her emphasis on financial security. In the case of the second option, dissonance could be further minimized by emphasizing the positive qualities of her significant other rather than focusing on his perceived flaws.

A more common example of cognitive dissonance occurs in the purchasing decisions we make on a regular basis. Most people want to hold the belief that they make good choices. When a product or item we purchase turns out badly, it conflicts with our previously existing belief about our decision-making abilities.

How to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance

There are three key strategies to reduce or minimize cognitive dissonance:

• Focus on more supportive beliefs that outweigh the dissonant belief or behavior.
• Reduce the importance of the conflicting belief.
• Change the conflicting belief so that it is consistent with other beliefs or behaviors.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance, http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/f/dissonance.htm

Note: The idea behind this blog is to give General tips, updates and inputs to all our students irrespective of his/her level, whether its coaching for B.Com (Honors/Program) Semester system, 1^st Year, 2^nd year or 3^rd Year or coaching for Professional Entrance exams like CA-CPT, CS Foundation, CWA Foundation or IPCC, Inter or Main… or class XI or XII students. We believe that the basics don’t change, most of the exam battles are won here, in the head, and hence we encourage everyone to stay focused and positive … Your time and life is precious, feel free to speak to exam counselor at iQuest Commerce Academy or write to us at info@iquestcommerceacademy.com  in case you have any anxiety/apprehensions.

iQuest Commerce Academy is one of the leading coaching institutes of Delhi (South Delhi) imparting quality coaching for Delhi University B.Com (Honors) & B.Com (Pass) Courses. We teach all major subjects under one roof of all 3 years and have also delivered excellent results in Semester 1 of B.Com (DU) -2012. Our teachers are all well established and well known personalities and understand the importance of quality education and coaching. At iQuest Commerce Academy, we also undertake classes for Class XI-XII (Commerce subjects – Economics, Accounts & Maths) CA-CPT and foundation level of CS & CWA. Please feel free to call us for arranging a demo class.