Benchmark - Cognitive Dissonance, Social Attribution, and Learning and Instruction
Berrioe1
PSY866_wk7.docxApplying theories to learning and instruction becomes problematic when theories contradict one another. For example, while cognitive dissonance theory asserts that beliefs and behaviors can influence attitudes, social attribution theory holds that people make causal inferences to explain others behaviors, actions, and mental states. In this assignment, you will revise your work on the self and interactions with the environment, contrast cognitive dissonance theory and social attribution theory, and you will consider how cognitive dissonance theory and attribution theory could be applied to improve learning and instruction. You will also consider the potential for personal worldview to countermand cognitive dissonance.
Directions:
Present a revised version (1,750-2,050 words total) of the paper “Benchmark - The Self and Interactions with the Environment” that makes improvements in the caliber of the writing and incorporates instructor feedback regarding content and writing. Include the following in your submission:
A reflection (250-300 words) that provides a bulleted list of the changes you made to the paper and discusses your revision process including how you incorporated your instructor's feedback into the revised version. Similar to an abstract, this section will receive its own page following the title page and preceding the introduction to the paper.
The revised paper that incorporates instructor feedback; clarifies the thesis statement and solidifies supporting arguments; edits for grammar, spelling, and punctuation; adjusts word choice to display professional and scholarly language; and adjusts sentence structure for improved readability.
Part 2
Write an additional 1,500-1,750 words in which you contrast cognitive dissonance theory with attribution theory, consider how cognitive dissonance theory and attribution theory could be applied to improve learning and instruction, and consider the potential for personal worldview to countermand cognitive dissonance. This section should flow naturally from the revised paper. So, you may also need to revise your introduction and thesis statement to allow the ideas to connect. Include the following in your paper:
A discussion of the theoretical perspective and current research on cognitive dissonance theory. Provide examples that support the research claims. (Benchmarks C3.2: Analyze theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding mental processes.)
A discussion of the theoretical perspective and current research on social attribution theory. Provide examples that support the research claims.
A discussion of how cognitive dissonance theory and attribution theory could be applied to improve learning and instruction. How does research regarding interactions of the self and the environment influence your view? (Benchmarks C3.4: Apply the theories of cognitive psychology to learning and instruction.)
A discussion of personal worldview as a means to countermand cognitive dissonance. How might a distinctly Christian worldview function in this role?
