The cognitive dissonance theory is associated with which theorist?

The cognitive dissonance theory is associated with which theorist?

• A. Piaget
• B. Festinger
• C. Erikson
• D. Skinner

Answer: (B)

Cognitive dissonance describes the mental discomfort that comes from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, or when behavior clashes with beliefs. Leon Festinger introduced this idea in the 1950s, proposing that people are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing beliefs, justifying the behavior, or seeking information that aligns with their stance. This sets Festinger apart from others: Piaget is known for cognitive development stages, Erikson for psychosocial development, and Skinner for behaviorism and operant conditioning. So the theorist most closely associated with cognitive dissonance is Festinger.

Cognitive dissonance describes the mental discomfort that comes from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, or when behavior clashes with beliefs. Leon Festinger introduced this idea in the 1950s, proposing that people are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing beliefs, justifying the behavior, or seeking information that aligns with their stance. This sets Festinger apart from others: Piaget is known for cognitive development stages, Erikson for psychosocial development, and Skinner for behaviorism and operant conditioning. So the theorist most closely associated with cognitive dissonance is Festinger.