Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance, which focuses on the discomfort experienced when one's beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent?

1. Albert Bandura

2. Leon Festinger

3. George Kelly

4. Jerome Bruner

The correct answer is: Leon Festinger

The theory of cognitive dissonance was developed by Leon Festinger, which posits that individuals experience psychological discomfort when their beliefs and behaviors are not in alignment. This dissonance prompts individuals to seek harmony, often leading them to change either their beliefs or behaviors to restore a sense of consistency. Cognitive dissonance is significant in understanding how people cope with conflicting ideas or actions and the lengths they will go to justify or rationalize their choices. Festinger's work also demonstrated that this dissonance can influence attitudes and decision-making processes, making it a foundational concept in social psychology. The other individuals mentioned have contributed to various psychological theories but are not associated with the development of cognitive dissonance. Albert Bandura is known for his work on social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy. George Kelly is recognized for his personal construct theory, which focuses on how individuals interpret their experiences. Jerome Bruner is notable for his contributions to cognitive psychology and education, emphasizing the importance of cognitive processes in learning. Each of these theorists made impactful contributions but in different domains of psychology distinct from Festinger’s focus on cognitive dissonance.