Which theorist is most associated with cognitive dissonance theory?

Which theorist is most associated with cognitive dissonance theory?

• A. Bandura
• B. Festinger
• C. Maslow
• D. Rogers

Answer: (B)

Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that happens when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values, or when their behavior clashes with those beliefs. People are motivated to reduce that discomfort by changing their attitudes, justifying their behavior, or seeking new information that reconciles the contradiction. Leon Festinger developed and popularized this idea, showing how the drive for internal consistency shapes how we think and behave. Because of his foundational work, he is the theorist most associated with cognitive dissonance theory. The other names listed contribute to different areas—Bandura is known for social learning and self-efficacy, Maslow for the hierarchy of needs, and Rogers for client-centered therapy.

Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort that happens when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values, or when their behavior clashes with those beliefs. People are motivated to reduce that discomfort by changing their attitudes, justifying their behavior, or seeking new information that reconciles the contradiction. Leon Festinger developed and popularized this idea, showing how the drive for internal consistency shapes how we think and behave. Because of his foundational work, he is the theorist most associated with cognitive dissonance theory. The other names listed contribute to different areas—Bandura is known for social learning and self-efficacy, Maslow for the hierarchy of needs, and Rogers for client-centered therapy.