cognitive dissonance theory

a theory proposing that people have a fundamental motivation to maintain consistency among elements in their cognitive systems. When inconsistency occurs, people experience an unpleasant psychological state that motivates them to reduce the dissonance in a variety of ways (see dissonance reduction). Several variants of this theory have also been proposed, including the new-look theory and self-consistency perspective. Alternative theories have been proposed as well, such as self-affirmation theory and self-perception theory. See also cognitive consonance. [first proposed by Leon Festinger]

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

cardiopulmonary bypass machine

a mechanical device that carries out the functions of the heart and lungs for short periods during surgery involving these organs. The machine collects blood from the veins before it reaches the heart and circulates it through a plastic chamber in which it is freshly oxygenated before being pumped back into the patient’s arteries.