Describe Cognitive Dissonance Theory and How It Explains Attitude Change

question 227

Essay

Describe cognitive dissonance theory and how it explains attitude change.

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Definitions:

Kitty Genovese

A case that became a symbol of urban apathy, surrounding the murder of a woman in New York in 1964, famously cited in discussions of the bystander effect.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The process wherein a bystander does not take action (e.g., in an emergency situation) because there are other bystanders who share the responsibility for intervening.

Experiment

A research method used to investigate cause-and-effect relations between one variable (the independent variable) and another (the dependent variable). In an experiment, the investigator manipulates the independent variable, randomly assigns participants to various levels of that variable, and measures the dependent variable.

Physically Abusive

Describes behavior that involves physical harm or injury inflicted upon another person, often within the context of interpersonal relationships.