Theories of Attitude Change

Self-perception theory and cognitive dissonance theory offer differing explanations for attitude change and attitude-behavior relations. Recent research has found that the explanations offered by both theories are correct, depending on various factors in any given situation. For example, these factors include whether or not your behavior is a core aspect of the self or if there is justification for the behavior.

For this Discussion, you analyze the theories of self-perception and cognitive dissonance and apply these theories to attitude change.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4
1. an explanation of similarities and differences between self-perception theory and cognitive dissonance theory.
2. Then, describe a situation in which self-perception might be most applicable to explain attitude change and explain why.
3. Finally, describe a situation in which cognitive dissonance might be most applicable to explain attitude change and explain why.

Support your response with references to the Learning Resources and other scholarly literature.

Readings

• Bem, D. J. (1967). Self-perception: An alternative interpretation of cognitive dissonance phenomenon. Psychological Review, 74(3), 183–200.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Fazio, R. H., Zanna, M. P., & Cooper, J. (1977). Dissonance and self-perception: An integrative view of each theory’s proper domain of application. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 13(5), 464–479.
  (author, article, journal). Copyright 1977 Elsevier Science & Technology Journals. Used with permission from Academic Press via the Copyright Clearance Center.
• Festinger, L., & Carlsmith, J. M. (1959). Cognitive consequences of forced compliance. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 58(2), 203–210.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.