Question

Attitude change according to Festinger happens in the following way:
A. It emphasizes on the cognitive component.
B. Holding two opposing ideas/cognitions makes an individual feel that something is out of tune.
C. The cognitive components of an attitude must be in consonance with each other.
D. One of the ideas will have to be changed so that consonance can be attained.

• A. A, B, D, C
• B. A, D, B, C
• C. A, C, D, B
• D. A, C, B, D

Hint:

Cognitive dissonance leads to a motivation to reduce the discomfort caused by holding contradictory ideas, often through attitude or belief change.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

According to Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory, attitude change happens when there is a conflict between two cognitions. This discomfort leads to changes to restore consonance. The correct order of these steps based on Festinger’s theory is:
- A (It emphasizes on the cognitive component): Cognitive dissonance theory focuses on the cognitive aspects of attitude change.
- C (The cognitive components of an attitude must be in consonance with each other): The theory holds that for a person to feel comfortable, their attitudes need to align.
- B (Holding two opposing ideas/cognitions makes an individual feel that something is out of tune): This dissonance causes psychological discomfort.
- D (One of the ideas will have to be changed so that consonance can be attained): To resolve the discomfort, one of the conflicting ideas will be changed.
Thus, the correct sequence is A, C, B, D.