...The results of the experiment have been argued to demonstrate the impressionability and obedience of people when provided with a legitimising ideology and social and institutional support. The experiment has also been used to illustrate cognitive dissonance theory and the power of authority. The results of the experiment favour situational attribution of behaviour rather than dispositional attribution. In other words, it seemed that the situation, rather than their individual personalities, caused the participants' behaviour. Under this interpretation, the results is that, ordinary people fulfilled orders to administer what appeared to be agonising and dangerous electric shocks to a confederate of the experiment. Power tactics are ways in which the individuals translate power bases into specific actions. In the experiment, people are using legitimacy, it is relying on your authority position or saying that a request accords with organisational policies or rules. In the experiment, Zimbardo said that people's behaviour changed under the environment of power and authority, the prisoners at first might not perfectly obey to what they were asked to do, however they started to obey what the guards say when the experiment went on, even though all participants know that they are not in a real prison situation. But the environment is too real that people started to think they are in a real prison, no matter it's the prisoners, or the guards. They follow the theory of power...
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...compunction. Over the years I have thought about my moral stance on these matters and happily come to the informed conclusion that my consumption and use of animal products sits with my moral values and vice versa. The interview began quite innocuously. As the interview continued I was questioned about my consumption of animal product, then asked if had any companion animals (I have two for my children's sake). As the questioning proceeded I was lead through a faulty path of logic and reason such that the next question not only assaulted my moral stance but appeared to be extraordinarily judgemental. The offending question was, "Would you ever knowingly do something that caused harm to animals when alternatives were readily available?" Dissonance was firmly afoot; my having to answer in the affirmative if I were to be consistent, or answer 'no' in case I be judged as a murderer. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place! So having chosen to be true to myself I chose to don the murderer's mantle. The interview continued by warning me that I may learn information that I have not been exposed to in the past and experience emotional challenges if I elected to proceed. Being the reasonable self-aware psychological adventurer I had nothing to lose so was then set upon by statements about 'unnatural practices'. In the meantime I continued to feel judged - this time the charges of torturer were added to those of murderer, particularly when the question was asked of me; "If you...
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...Issue Analysis: Cognitive Dissonance PSYCH/555 April 22, 2013 Dr. Keisha Anthony Issue Analysis: Cognitive Dissonance “Festinger's (1957) cognitive dissonance theory suggests that we have an inner drive to hold all our attitudes and beliefs in harmony and avoid disharmony (or dissonance)” (McLeod, 2008). Issue 5: Does Cognitive Dissonance Explain Why Behavior Can Change Attitudes debates the cognitive dissonance theory with one of the authors challenging the theory by claiming that self-perception is a better explanation as to why people behave differently once they have acted outside of their norm as most people try to find some sort of consistency between their actions and their attitudes. Consonant and dissonant cognitions both affect the attitude on opposite ends of a spectrum. As with consonant cognitions the behavior matches the attitude and with dissonant cognitions have behaviors that conflict with their attitudes. One of the most powerful influences on attitude change is the motivation of people to maintain that consistency between their attitudes and behaviors. Although the cognitive dissonance theory is studied and utilized by psychologists all over the world, there are some who reject this theory and believe that self-perception is what enables people to decide on their attitudes, emotions, and behaviors because they are able to cast judgment upon themselves based on their behavior in different situations. Summary of both Arguments in Issue 5 Festinger...
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...the equity theory, attachment styles, when to reveal and when to conceal, and the cognitive dissonance theory. These factors play a very big role in relationship baggage and they are all discussed extensively through many scholarly articles. The following articles illustrate the research done on the topic of partner baggage as it pertains to these particular factors in romantic relationships. Keywords: partner baggage, relational uncertainty, relational turbulence, dark side, interpersonal relationships According to an article by Sidelinger and Booth-Butterfield, partner baggage is defined as, “negative attributes and situations which create obstacles to optimal relationship outcomes” (Sidelinger & Booth-Butterfield, 2009, p. 405). That is just a really fun way of saying that one or both participants of a relationship have some issues that could be potentially detrimental to the relationship. Partner baggage is very common in most relationships, 69% of couples reported this about partner baggage (Sidelinger & Booth-Butterfield, 2009, p. 414). There is a lot of ambiguity in relationships to begin with (Spitzberg & Cupach, 2011, p. 31), but partner baggage adds another element of relational uncertainty. To understand partner baggage in relationships better, we will discuss this through the equity theory, attachment styles, when to reveal and when to conceal, and cognitive dissonance. Literature Review Equity Theory The equity theory can help couples determine...
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...Reflective Report: An analysis of Everest Simulations | Evaluating experiences | Joey Lai z3332966 | Executive Summary: This report is a reflection of the experiences of the two Everest Simulations, examining and analysing the individual’s actions and their role and the impact it has on the group. The discussion then incorporates theories of communication, leadership and organisational structure to compare and critically analyse the results of the simulations and determine the overall success of the team. The report will also analyse the changes and evaluate the impact past experience had on the decisions and results on the second simulation. Further the processes of interaction will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness, partially attributing our failure in the first simulation to poor communication and preparation. Table of Contents Executive Summary 0.0 Introduction 3 1.0 Preparation for Simulation One 3 2.1 Delegation of roles 4 2.0 Simulation One 4 3.2 Examining the medium of communication 4 3.3 Examining our roles 5 3.4 Discussion process 5-6 3.5 Simulation One results 6 3.0 Team Contract 6-7 4.0 Simulation Two: Adherence to Team contract 7 5.6 Leadership style 7-8 5.0 Comparing Results 8 6.0 Analysing Changes 8-9 7.0 Conclusion 9 8.0 Bibliography 9-10 9.0 Appendix ...
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...Chapter 7 – Attitudes The Power of Attitudes Attitude: A lasting, general evaluation of people, (including oneself), objects, or issues. • Is lasting because it tends to endure over time • It is general because it applies to more than a momentary event • Can be very product-specific behaviours (Crest toothpaste rather than Colgate) • Can be toward more general consumption-related behaviours (how often they should brush their teeth) Attitude Object (A0): Anything toward which a person has an attitude, whether it is tangible or intangible. The Functions of Attitudes Functional Theory of Attitudes: Attitudes exist because they serve some function for the person; that is, they are determined by a person’s motives. • Developed by psychologist Danial Katz Attitude Functions 1. Utilitarian Function a. Related to the basic principles of reward and punishment b. Develop attitudes based on whether these products provide pleasure or pain c. Ads that stress straightforward product benefits appeal to the utilitarian function 2. Value-expressive Function a. Express the consumer’s central values or self-concept b. Product attitude not because of its objective benefits c. Of what the product says about him/her as a person d. Highly relevant to lifestyle analyses, where consumers cultivate a cluster of activities, interest and opinions to express a particular social identity 3. Ego-defensive Function a. Formed to protect the person, either from external threats...
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...Oatis-Ballew May 6, 2012 Cognitive dissonance was fist examined by Leon Festinger, this arose from the observations he made of a cult whom believed that the earth would soon be destroyed by a flood. Members that had been faithful to the cult had to give up their homes and jobs to come and work for the cult. This came about after the fact the earth was not destroyed by the flood. The faithful members of the cult were ashamed and felt like they had made fools of themselves for believing that something like this was about to happen. According to cognitive dissonance theory, there is a tendency for individuals to seek consistency among their cognitions (beliefs, opinions). When there is an inconsistency between attitudes or behaviors (dissonance), something must change to eliminate the dissonance. In the case of a discrepancy between attitudes and behavior, it is most likely that the attitude will change to accommodate the behavior. This is the feeling of uncomfortable tension which comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time. Dissonance increases with the importance of the subject to us, how strongly the dissonant thoughts conflict, our inability to rationalize and explain away the conflict. Two factors affect the strength of the dissonance: the number of dissonant beliefs, and the importance attached to each belief. There are three ways to eliminate dissonance: reduce the importance of the dissonant beliefs, add more...
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...entire period of writing this study. I would not be able to complete this research without their precious advice. Meanwhile, I would also appreciate Professor Yung-Ming Shiu’s encouragement and insightful comments on my proposal and final defense. I would like to also thank everyone at the Institute of International Management and Business Administration, National Cheng Kung University, who has contributed to the completion of this thesis. Finally, I would like to appreciate my family members, who have offered their constant support for my study here and thank them for be always by my side. Abstract Keywords: Personalities, Core self-evaluations, Extraversion, Herding behavior, Individual investors’ performance, Cognitive dissonance, Return, Satisfaction. This research examined the relationship among investor psychology, herding behavior and investment performance. Four hypotheses were tested using survey data collected from 250 individual investors in Vietnam stock markets. The findings showed that core self evaluations are positively related to herding behavior. In addition,...
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...pt PART 4 - LEADING CHAPTER 8 - FOUNDATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP BEHAVIOR LEARNING OUTCOMES After reading this chapter, students should be able to: 1. Define the focus and goals of organizational behavior. 2. Identify and describe the three components of attitudes. 3. Explain cognitive dissonance. 4. Describe the Myers-Briggs personality type framework and its use in organizations. 5. Define perception and describe the factors that can shape or distort perception. 6. Explain how managers can shape employee behavior. 7. Contrast formal and informal groups. 8. Explain why people join groups. 9. State how roles and norms influence employees' behavior. 10. Describe how group size affects group behavior. Opening Vignette SUMMARY In today's dynamic organization, we continue to hear about management's need to be sensitive to others, for some, this is simply not part of their personality make-up, example Linda Wachner, CEO. One of the first women to become a Fortune 500 CEO. She is characterized as a screaming, combative, ruthless taskmaster known for humiliating employees in front of their peers. Her simple motto: "You can't run a company efficiently with a 'bunch of babies.' If you don't like it, leave. This is not a prison." Advice to other senior managers, be tough. Wachner is known for being smart and a good manager--and one who rewards only performance. Her record at Warnaco has been nothing short of stellar. Since leading a leveraged buyout...
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...University Online Prof. Robin Oatis-Ballew May 6, 2012 Cognitive dissonance was fist examined by Leon Festinger, this arose from the observations he made of a cult whom believed that the earth would soon be destroyed by a flood. Members that had been faithful to the cult had to give up their homes and jobs to come and work for the cult. This came about after the fact the earth was not destroyed by the flood. The faithful members of the cult were ashamed and felt like they had made fools of themselves for believing that something like this was about to happen. According to cognitive dissonance theory, there is a tendency for individuals to seek consistency among their cognitions (beliefs, opinions). When there is an inconsistency between attitudes or behaviors (dissonance), something must change to eliminate the dissonance. In the case of a discrepancy between attitudes and behavior, it is most likely that the attitude will change to accommodate the behavior. This is the feeling of uncomfortable tension which comes from holding two conflicting thoughts in the mind at the same time. Dissonance increases with the importance of the subject to us, how strongly the dissonant thoughts conflict, our inability to rationalize and explain away the conflict. Two factors affect the strength of the dissonance: the number of dissonant beliefs, and the importance attached to each belief. There are three ways to eliminate dissonance: reduce the importance of the dissonant beliefs, add more...
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...Grading Guide Social Psychology Paper This assignment is due in Week Nine. |Content |Points Earned | |60 Percent |X/5 | |Lists the factors that contributed towards Sarah’s attitude regarding her curfew and how did |Comments: | |these factors contribute. |The factors that have contributed towards | |Explains the ways Sarah displays cognitive dissonance. |Sarah’s attitude were her new friends that | |Describes the situations that Sarah conforms to her peers’ beliefs and how. Explains some |she had made in school. Her new friends kept | |possible reasons that Sarah did this. |telling Sarah that the party was going to be | |Explains some possible reasons that Jack was interested in Sarah and how these relate to the |very fun, which by Sarah never being to a | |factors of attraction. |party before; she was excited that her new | |Describes the type of social interaction that was displayed through the fight at the party and|friends wanted to hang out...
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...Cognitive Dissonance Theory According to Myers (2010), cognitive dissonance is a situation that arises bringing tension from ides and actions upon each other. One of the main purposes of cognitive dissonance theory is to change the individual’s attitudes and hold them accountable for their actions. This theory believe that if a person or individuals could take on the responsibility of their negative actions, a change is more likely to happen in their behavior (Cheng & Hsu, 2012). On the other hand, if they are not willing to accept the consequence that comes with the action, the behavior will continue. A situation, such as second-degree murder, Zimmerman could have used cognitive dissonance theory to rationalize his behavior. Murder is a crime, and any one who commits such crime realize that it is not morally correct and the action will have consequences. Zimmerman claim he shot Martin in self-defense, and was acquitted of his charges. In this situation, murder was not understandable or justified. He was thinking about the welfare of himself and no the welfare of Trayvon Martin, an innocent child. Zimmerman believed that he was protecting his community and by all means possible. A person in his situation felt that he needed to do whatever in order change the situation. The decision of Zimmerman did not make it better for either family, his actions made the matter worse. When a person does not rationalize his or her thoughts, his or her behaviors will result inappropriately...
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...Cognitive Dissonance and Jenny McCarthy’s Death Toll Candace Stamper PSY/400 Russell Sempell June 4, 2014 Abstract Humans are great at rationalizing their behavior and actions. This is especially true when a group of people or a high status citizen supports an individual’s beliefs, even when there is no valid authority contributed to their stance. Individuals raised in the modern first-world are educated to believe in the science and efficiency of vaccinations to ensure public health and decrease infant and childhood mortality rates. A wealth of evidence exists to prove that vaccinations are safe, effective, and increase public health. The scientific and medical communities, by a vast majority, support the use of vaccinations and are desperately attempting to get vaccines to third world countries and end massive generations-long death tolls attributed to preventable diseases. The diseases that these vaccines prevent had been eradicated in the United States and Western Europe for decades. Why, then, are people willing to allow their children to go unvaccinated in first world nations? Cognitive dissonance may hold the answer to this question. Ian and Linda Williams are educated parents in Auckland, New Zealand, who refused to vaccinate their son, Alijah. This decision would be life-altering. The family was caught up in the recent anti-vaccine movement, promoted heavily by celebrities like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jim Carrey, and Jenny McCarthy - one of the most famous opponents...
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...In 1957, scientist Leon Festinger proposed “Cognitive Dissonance Theory”, which states that a powerful motive to maintain cognitive consistency can give rise to irrational and sometimes maladaptive behavior. Cognitive Dissonance affects the person's ability to make decisions and allows for them to escape the guilt. Lord of the Flies is an example of “Cognitive Dissonance” in humans, in that both the novel and the psychological theory illustrate the premise that humans tend to justify their actions by lying to themselves. William Golding’s book Lord of the Flies is about a group of boys whose plane crashes, leaving them stranded on an island. Throughout the book the boys lose their sanity and begin to fight. As the boys struggle to find a balance in power between Ralph, a young boy who was originally elected as leader, and Jack, a wild, ill tempered, boy who challenges Ralph; the two shy intelligent boys, Piggy and Simon, are ostracised and viewed as unreliable and suspicious.Subsequently Simon is brutally murdered after trying to alert the group that the monster they have feared is really just a dead military parachutist (Golding, 138-139). Later Piggy also dies as an effect of Roger, Jack’s second in command, crushing him with a boulder (Golding, 164-165). “Cognitive Dissonance Theory” is the theory that humans justify our actions by...
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...Cognitive Dissonance Cognitive Dissonance Consistency, the absence of contradictions, has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide an individual with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions. When consistency and ethics are compromised, this is known as cognitive dissonance. Leon Festinger shared his brilliance with the world when he created the Cognitive Dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance refers to a situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors (McLeod, 2008). Cognitive dissonance produces an uncomfortable tension of discomfort leading to an alteration in one of the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to reduce the discomfort and restore balance. Situation In the United States, over two-thirds of the workers who call in sick are not physically ill (Perman, 2011). So why do employees jeopardize his or her job? A survey performed in 2007 found that absences were divided between personal issues, family issues, mental entitlement, and stress (Wolter Kluwer Law & Business, 2007). Employees are asked to give 110% to his or her employment and yet most supervisors and coworkers cannot empathize with personal and family issues. An employee may need an hour or two for a doctor appointment or to take a parent to an appointment. Perhaps there is a school function that a single parent would like to...
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