Cognitive dissonance
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| − | Cognitive dissonance is a psychological term which describes the uncomfortable tension that may result from having two conflicting thoughts at the same time, or from engaging in behavior that conflicts with one's beliefs. A good example of cognitive dissonance would be a lifetime voting record in the Senate of denying basic civil rights to homosexuals and then looking for some [[Larry_Craig|quick gay sex in the Twin City airport men's bathroom]]. | + | '''Cognitive dissonance''' is a psychological term which describes the uncomfortable tension that may result from having two conflicting thoughts at the same time, or from engaging in behavior that conflicts with one's beliefs. A good example of cognitive dissonance would be a lifetime voting record in the Senate of denying basic civil rights to homosexuals and then looking for some [[Larry_Craig|quick gay sex in the Twin City airport men's bathroom]]. |
==Resolving dissonance== | ==Resolving dissonance== | ||
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Cognitive dissonance is a large part of why hazing builds loyalty - if you go through [[Anal sex|a rough initiation]] to get into a fraternity, you'll go to great lengths to convince yourself that the organization is awesome enough to have been worth it. | Cognitive dissonance is a large part of why hazing builds loyalty - if you go through [[Anal sex|a rough initiation]] to get into a fraternity, you'll go to great lengths to convince yourself that the organization is awesome enough to have been worth it. | ||
| − | ==Creationists and | + | ==Creationists and cognitive dissonance== |
Creationists have particular problems with scientific concepts that conflict with a 6000 year old earth with a 4300-year-ago [[Global flood|flood]]. This causes them to propose silly stuff like [[baraminology|baramins]], a changing [[speed of light]], problems with radiometric dating and the like. | Creationists have particular problems with scientific concepts that conflict with a 6000 year old earth with a 4300-year-ago [[Global flood|flood]]. This causes them to propose silly stuff like [[baraminology|baramins]], a changing [[speed of light]], problems with radiometric dating and the like. | ||
| − | ==Cumulative | + | ==Cumulative cognitive dissonance== |
Most people will (eventually) change their beliefs on a subject after enough contradictory evidence emerges. Because sometimes evidence emerges that is so solid and undeniable that it is easier to give up a complex worldview than having to constantly generate excuses why this evidence is false. Others individuals, especially when they have support networks of others reinforcing a delusion or worldview, will go to such great lengths to rationalize away dissenting ideas that after a certain point, an admission of error would cause the collapse of an entire web of mutually supporting beliefs and lead to a massive loss of self-esteem. As such, the thought that any part of their worldview could be wrong is branded as heresy and summarily dismissed. | Most people will (eventually) change their beliefs on a subject after enough contradictory evidence emerges. Because sometimes evidence emerges that is so solid and undeniable that it is easier to give up a complex worldview than having to constantly generate excuses why this evidence is false. Others individuals, especially when they have support networks of others reinforcing a delusion or worldview, will go to such great lengths to rationalize away dissenting ideas that after a certain point, an admission of error would cause the collapse of an entire web of mutually supporting beliefs and lead to a massive loss of self-esteem. As such, the thought that any part of their worldview could be wrong is branded as heresy and summarily dismissed. | ||
| − | ==See | + | ==See also== |
* [[Reaction formation]] | * [[Reaction formation]] | ||
Revision as of 21:22, 24 December 2009
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological term which describes the uncomfortable tension that may result from having two conflicting thoughts at the same time, or from engaging in behavior that conflicts with one's beliefs. A good example of cognitive dissonance would be a lifetime voting record in the Senate of denying basic civil rights to homosexuals and then looking for some quick gay sex in the Twin City airport men's bathroom.
Contents |
Resolving dissonance
The concepts of cognitive dissonance was developed and tested by observing some cults and observing how they would react when their beliefs (in the end of the world) were shattered (by the world simply not ending). As the sensation of dissonance is very unpleasant, most people tend to resolve it by making their knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours consistent with one another. The initial hypothesis regarding the cults, for instance, would be that they would simply give up their beliefs to make it consistent with very clear and undeniable data and move on. In fact, the opposite happened, the negative data was dismissed or a new excuse formulated and, as a result, this actively strengthened their belief. The resolution of dissonance, therefore, generally follows the path of least psychological resistance - dismissing single pieces of evidence, even compelling pieces, is easier than changing an entire worldview and the loss of face and self-esteem associated with it.
Two prominent political examples of resolving dissonance in this way can be found in the various smear attempts made against US President Barack Obama throughout 2008 and 2009. When evidence is provided to Conservapedia owner Andy Schlafly that Obama is a Christian, it is most commonly dismissed as Liberal Deceit and Schlafly's views that Obama is closet Muslim remain steadfast. Similarly, WorldNetDaily editor Joseph Farah - a key player in the birther movement - has a firm belief that Obama is not American, and evidence to the contrary is dismissed as insufficient or fraudulent. Evidence for such beliefs, on the other hand, is usually blindly accepted, and this known as confirmation bias.
Cognitive dissonance is a large part of why hazing builds loyalty - if you go through a rough initiation to get into a fraternity, you'll go to great lengths to convince yourself that the organization is awesome enough to have been worth it.
Creationists and cognitive dissonance
Creationists have particular problems with scientific concepts that conflict with a 6000 year old earth with a 4300-year-ago flood. This causes them to propose silly stuff like baramins, a changing speed of light, problems with radiometric dating and the like.
Cumulative cognitive dissonance
Most people will (eventually) change their beliefs on a subject after enough contradictory evidence emerges. Because sometimes evidence emerges that is so solid and undeniable that it is easier to give up a complex worldview than having to constantly generate excuses why this evidence is false. Others individuals, especially when they have support networks of others reinforcing a delusion or worldview, will go to such great lengths to rationalize away dissenting ideas that after a certain point, an admission of error would cause the collapse of an entire web of mutually supporting beliefs and lead to a massive loss of self-esteem. As such, the thought that any part of their worldview could be wrong is branded as heresy and summarily dismissed.