PSY 400 Week 3 Cognitive Dissonance Paper

PSY400 Week 3 Cognitive Dissonance Paper

Identify a situation in which an individual made a decision to engage in behavior that violated his or her values, beliefs, attitudes, and morals, such as calling in sick to work when he or she is not sick, speeding, or cheating on taxes.

Prepare a 1,100- to 1,400-word paper in which you analyze your identified situation. Address the following items:

Illustrate the situation and how the individual came to choose to make the decision that violated his or her ethics and morals.

Analyze the social, cultural, and spiritual influences on the individual’s behavior. Consider the influences both for and against the decision.

Describe the reciprocal relationship between behavior and attitudes.

Explain cognitive dissonance and how the individual could have used cognitive dissonance theory to rationalize his or her behavior.

Include at least three references in your paper.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines

Discussion Questions:

During Week Three you will read all about the power of group influence, and the relationship between group influence and personal identity.  In keeping with this theme, I would like to pose the following question to you: Margaret Mead once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not?

Think about a group or social category you belong to and with which you identify.  What does this group mean to you?  What are some examples that demonstrate your high level of identification to this group?