Abstract
This paper is a summary and comment on an article by Aronson called "The Rationalizing Animal", concerning Feistinger's theory of cognitive dissonance, how dissonance develops, how dissonance is resolved through rationalization, the lengths to which the individual will go to resolve dissonance It also discusses how dissonance is involved in the operation of conscience.

From the Paper
"Aronson (1973) examines the concept of rationalization from the point of view of a psychologist examining human behavior and why people believe things that make little sense, suggesting that they may be rationalizing in order to reconcile different ideas they may hold at the same time. The author refers to the theory of cognitive dissonance offered by Feistinger in 1957, a theory that describes and predicts such rationalizing behavior. We receive messages from our surroundings all the time that may challenge our assumptions, our beliefs, or our behaviors, and we may continue behaviors that counter these messages even if we believe the message as well. Aronson notes that the more the individual is committed to a course of action, the more he or she will resist any information that threatens to change that course. This creates cognitive dissonance, and the individual will seek to reduce that dissonance through rationalization."

Tags:cognitive, dissonance, article

Abstract
This is a three-page paper on cognitive dissonance. A person who can handle one situation well, but not another tends to experience discomfort from cognitive dissonance. The paper explores How this can affect others in business or at the workplace.

Tags:cognitive, dissonance

Abstract
A paper on the Cognitive Dissonance Theory related from the aspect of the refugee workers in factories whose behavior undergoes a positive change with the passage of time.

Tags:cognitive, dissonance

Abstract
This study examines the effects of cognitive dissonance on tobacco users whose aim is to quit smoking. Hypothesized predictions were generated from cognitive dissonance theory, which suggests that creation of dissonance may contribute to the likelihood that users will attempt to quit smoking and will successfully do so. The writer maintains that the results of the preliminary literature review suggest that cognitive dissonance is most likely to occur in tobacco users when the user has to choose between beliefs and actions that are not compatible. The exact nature of cognitive dissonance to tobacco use is examined in this research article.

Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
The Nature of Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Selective Exposure and Post Decision Dissonance
Theories of Minimal Justification
Reducing Cognitive Dissonance

From the Paper
"Cognitive dissonance theory can be used to describe the discrepancy users feel between what they know to be true regarding tobacco use and their interpretation or the relative weight they give to this information. Cognitive dissonance suggests that while many users may acknowledge reports from the Surgeon General that tobacco use leads to death or cancer, they may reinterpret this information in a more positive light to reduce the conflict that results from acknowledging they are voluntarily engaging in a habit that is not health promoting. Cognitive dissonance however may also lead to enough discomfort or dissonance in the user to encourage more users to quit permanently, not on the basis of reward but rather to alleviate the dissonance occurring between their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Dissonance is more likely to be evident in users who acknowledge that tobacco use is bad for them, yet continue to purchase and smoke to assuage their cravings for nicotine."

Tags:addiction, smokers, harmful, effects

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that marketers need to understand the role of involvement and habit, information processing and the concept of life values in consumer behavior, as well as cultural determinants. The behavioral sciences such as sociology and psychology are paramount in achieving this goal. The writer points out that consumers' demand for an exciting variety of new products puts ceaseless strain on companies to constantly try to understand consumer behavior. The writer explains that marketing products thus becomes pointless if the marketers are unaware of the consumers' needs and wants. The writer maintains that without the knowledge of the varying areas of behavioral sciences it would be difficult for marketers to identify the characteristics of their consumers and they would be unable to achieve maximum sales and product potential.

Outline:
Introduction
Elements of the Decision-Making Process
Example of Cognitive Dissonance
Characteristics and Effects of Cognitive Dissonance
How to Use Process to Drive Buyer's Actions
Customer Satisfaction and Purchasing Behavior
Expectation Disconfirmation Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There are five elements of consumer behavior that lead to a purchasing decision. The first element is problem recognition; the consumer comprehends a need, difference between a perfect and a genuine situation. The situation can be as simple as seeing there is no bread left. Second information search, the consumer is looking for value. This is where clarification of options is revealed to the consumer and many involve internal and external search. Next is assessment of other possibilities. What standards will be used and what is the perceived value in making the purchasing decision. Fourth is the decision to purchase. This involves when, to buy, who to buy from, or if to buy at all. When to buy will come from influences like store atmosphere, time, is there a sale happening, and the shopping experience. Who to buy from will depend on the terms of the sale, past experience with the seller, and the return policy. If all the factors do not fit what the consumer is looking for the consumer may and will chose not to buy. Fifth is post-purchase behavior. Once the consumer makes the decision to purchase, he or she will compare the likelihood the buying decision meant expectations, this will leave the buyer either satisfied or dissatisfied."

Tags:competitive, environment, cognition, buy

Abstract
A detailed explanation of the cognitive dissonance theory. The author examines how humans make decisions according to this theory and provides a definition, explanation and example of how the cognitive dissonance theory functions in everyday life.

From the Paper
"Cognitive Dissonance Theory, developed by Leon Festinger, is concerned with the relationships among cognitions. Cognition, for the purpose of this theory, may be thought of as piece of knowledge. The knowledge may be about an attitude, an emotion, a behavior, a value, and so on. Cognitive Dissonance is how do human beings make decisions. What triggers a person to take action at any given point? These are some of the questions that will be answered with explanation of Cognitive Dissonance, as well as many of other related theories covered in Myers Social Psychology."

Tags:psychology, smoking, brain

Abstract
This paper reflects on three types of dissonance, including mental, literary and conflict, to define and describe the actions of the characters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth".

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a young woman, Mary, who due to a stressful time in her life strays away from her beliefs and values to reach a desired outcome. The writer then uses this example to describe the dissonance theory as an explanation for discrepancies between an individual's attitudes and behaviors.

Outline:
Identify a Situation
Analyze the Situation
Behavior and Attitudes
Rationalize
Conclusion

From the Paper
''From the time an individual is young, he or she is taught that if a person is good, has strong values, beliefs, and morals that life will turn out all right. Good things happen to good people. On the flipside, if a person lives a lazy and immoral life, there will be consequences. Bad things happen to bad people. Religious groups teach people that "we reap what we sow." However, during tough economic times, situations may arise that lead a person to question his or her morals and values. During times of stress, a person will sometimes stray from his or her beliefs and values to reach a desired outcome. There are many stories where a person compromises his or her moral beliefs and engage in behavior that is against his or her moral character. Here is one of them.
''A woman named Mary was an unmarried mother of two children, a 10 month old son and a two year old daughter. Mary has just lost her job because of a lay off within her company due to the declining economy. Mary is feeling more stressed trying to look for work with few companies even accepting resumes. Mary's electricity in the apartment has been turned off due to non-payment, and she is also two months past due on her rent. As a result from the added stress Mary is under, she considers demonstrating certain immoral behaviors to help cut her lights back on and gain extra money for her children. Mary believes that because of the added stress and the inability to provide for her children, it would be okay to break a few moral codes she abides by in order to provide for her family.''

Tags:attitude, behavior, values

From the Paper
"Cognitive theory studies how people understand the world around them and how this cognition aids their efforts for successful adaptation to the surrounding environment. A prevailing assumption is that cognition affects behavior. Certain theories hold that this progression is also influenced by motivations. Motivation is viewed as a "moving force which instigates behavior and is primarily a function of thought rather than needs, drives, or arousal" (Reeve, 1997, 160). There are many suppositions as to what these forces are. One such theory holds that dissonance can be a primary motivator for a person's actions.
Dissonance is the discomfort in psychological and physiological states caused when an inconsistency is created between a person's beliefs and his or her behaviors. Dissonance ..."

Abstract
This paper studies the theory of cognitive dissonance and how philosophers and psychologists have used the theory in an attempt to understand different psychological states and problems. Fear of death, a universal emotion, is cited as an example of cognitive dissonance often studied by philosophers and psychologists. The paper continues with a discussion of the different religious, social, and philosophical manifestations of this fear and their application to society.

From the Paper
"Cognitive Dissonance: Human psychology has always been a subject of great interest to philosophers down the ages. From the time of Aristotle and Socrates, there has been exhaustive focus and study on human behavioral patterns and the motivations that underlie it. Ancient and current philosophers continue to expand their understanding of human psychology in an attempt to understand the issues and conflicts that prevent human kind from actualizing a professed philosophy. It is in this context that the theory of cognitive dissonance assumes importance."

Tags:primary, emotional, cause, decisions, actions, consequences, cosmic, optimism, pessimism, existentialism, law, virtue