THE 'THEORY' OF COGNITIVE DISSONANCE,

Abstract

A critical review is presented of the formulation, the experimental basis, and recent modifications of a theory in behavioral psychology known as cognitive dissonance. Thirty-seven experiments conducted by scientists in support of the 'theory' are analyzed to determine to what extent they confirm or disconfirm it. The author concludes that the 'theory' has neither theoretical nor empirical substance and contributes very little to an understanding of cognition and motivation.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0611190

Entities

People

  • Nehemiah Jordan

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Behavior And Behavior Mechanisms
  • Behavioral Disciplines And Activities
  • Cognition
  • Motivation
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Scientists

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Systems Analysis and Design