This is Walden University course (DPSY 6111/8111) Week 5 Assignment: Cognitive Development. It is written in APA format, includes references, and has been graded by an instructor (A). Most higher-education assignments are submitted to turnitin, remember to paraphrase. Let us begin.

1. Running head: WEEK 5: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 1
Week 5: Cognitive Development
Definition of Cognitive Dissonance
The study of cognitive dissonance (CD) originated in social psychology. The aim is to
understand how conflicts between attitudes and behaviors occur as well as how the effects
influence human behaviors (DeBono, 2018; Chang, Solomon, & Westerfield, 2016; Cooper,
2007; Levy, Harmon-Jones, & Harmon-Jones, 2018). Leon Festinger, a social psychologist,
developed the theory in 1951. He explained that humans have an innate tendency to seek
stability among their attitudes (e.g., perceptions of people, places, or things) and their behaviors,
which are related to their attitudes (DeBono, 2018).
If a person believes, for example, that graduating from a higher-education institution is
the best way for their child to advance socially and economically but the child disagrees, then
CD occurs. It is a state of (negative) tension that affects humans both physically and
psychologically (Chang, Solomon, & Westerfield, 2016; Cooper, 2007; Levy, Harmon-Jones, &
Harmon-Jones, 2018). Consequently, the one who is experiencing the CD will usually engage in
specific acts or behaviors to resolve the dissonance (Chang, Solomon, & Westerfield, 2016;
Cooper, 2007; Gawronski, 2012).
Description of the Dissonance Present in Cognitive Dissonance Scenario # 3
In this scenario, Jenny has dissonance between her attitudes, a belief that smoking has
health benefits and that she would gain weight if she stops, and her behavior in which she
justifies her smoking habit. Although the theory of cognitive dissonance does not infer that
behaviors taken to remove dissonance will work for everyone, it does, however, help us
understand the interplay between attitudes and behaviors as well as their underlying constructs
(Cooper, 2007; DeBono, 2018; Gawronski, 2012). Studies show that methods to address CD

2. WEEK 5: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2
such as forced compliance behavior, decision-making, and effort have had positive results, but
caution is recommended because they could also cause CD (Cooper, 2007; Gawronski, 2012).
When a person is forced to comply, for example, the act suggests a forced compliance behavior;
dissonance is plausible; therefore, reevaluating the attitude could remove the dissonance and
thereby restore stability (Cooper, 2007; DeBono, 2018; Gawronski, 2012). DeBono (2018)
inferred that some decision-making tasks are indicators of cognitive dissonance.
Suppose, for example, that you had to decide whether to accept a once-in-a-lifetime
financial deal or pay cash for a Mercedes Benz that you promised a loved one. In this case, the
likelihood that dissonance will occur is high. Research suggests that an increase in positive
factors related to the chosen decision and a decrease in positive factors related to the unchosen
decision could, in some instances, reduce the dissonance (DeBono, 2018; Gawronski, 2012).
Unlike forced compliance behavior and decision-making approaches which are difficult to
implement, most people find effort easier to change attitudes and thereby reduce dissonance
(DeBono, 2018; Cooper, 2007; Gawronski, 2012). If an individual, for example, spent a
generous sum of money, say $20,000, and a considerable amount of time, say 11 years, to
achieve a career goal; this act would have taken an enormous effort. Studies suggest that it is
easier to change attitudes or beliefs about something if a substantial effort is involved. As such,
dissonance does not occur; or, it is reduced (Cooper, 2007; DeBono, 2018; Gawronski, 2012).
Two Suggestions to Resolve the Dissonance
In Jenny’s scenario, she could drop the behavior and change her belief about the health
benefits of smoking , in part, by researching the subject. However, DeBona (2018) noted that
(for most people) ending an ingrained behavior such as smoking is extremely difficult. Another
choice ,therefore, would be to reduce the relevancy that “smoking” causes lung cancer by

3. WEEK 5: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 3
decreasing its importance (Levy, Harmon-Jones, & Harmon-Jones, 2018). In that, Jenny could
accept that her lifespan could be reduced by her behavior (smoking) and convince herself to
enjoy her life as a smoker and be willing to accept any health issues that could happen (attitude
adjustment); thereby cognitive dissonance between attitude and behavior would be removed or
stabilized (Chang, Solomon, & Westerfield, 2016; Cooper, 2007; DeBono, 2018; Levy, Harmon-
Jones, & Harmon-Jones, 2018).

4. WEEK 5: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 4
References
Chang, T.Y., Solomon, D.H., & and Westerfield, M.M. (2016). Looking for someone to blame:
Delegation, cognitive dissonance, and the disposition effect. Journal of Finance, 71(1),
pp. 267–302.
Cooper, J. (2007). Cognitive dissonance: Fifty years of a classic theory. Newbury Park: Sage.
DeBono, K. G. (2018). Cognitive dissonance. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. Retrieved
from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=ers&AN=93871844&site=eds-live&scope=site
Gawronski, B. (2012). Back to the future of dissonance theory: Cognitive consistency as a core
motive. Social Cognition, 30(6), pp. 652–68.
Levy, N., Harmon-Jones, C., & Harmon-Jones, E. (2018). Dissonance and discomfort: Does a
simple cognitive inconsistency evoke a negative affective state? Motivation Science, 4(2),
pp. 95–108. Retrieved from https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1037/mot0000079