The Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT)

The Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT)
As people, we often presume that the actions displayed by a person are piloted through their individual thoughts and opinions, however the cognitive dissonance theory (CDT) shows that this is not always the case. Labeled by some as an action-opinion theory, the theory of cognitive dissonance explains how people are compelled to commit actions contrary to their beliefs. The basic principle behind action-opinion theories is that these types of theories insinuate that actions can influence one’s beliefs and attitudes. This idea is counterintuitive in that it would seem logical that our actions are a reflection of our thoughts and opinions and not the cause of them. Nevertheless, theories like these, particularly

In the experiment, all of the subjects were required to complete a boring task and then inform another subject that the task was exciting. Half of the participants were paid $1 to do this, and the other half were paid $20. At the conclusion of the study, all the subjects were asked to rate how much they liked the boring task. The results showed that a majority of participants of whom were paid $20 rated the task as boring, whereas participants of whom were paid $1 rated the task as fun. Cognitive dissonance theory explains that those who were paid $1 would feel the most dissonance since they had to carry out a boring task and lie to an experimenter for only $1. Therefore, they were motivated to resolve their dissonance by rationalizing their actions and form the impression that task was in fact

Camara Jones defines racism as “a system of structuring opportunity and assigning values to people based on phenotypic properties that unfairly disadvantage some individuals and communities, while unfairly advantaging others (p. 10). America has amassed an extensive history with racism and ethnic discrimination. Dating back to the colonial times with the conquering of Native Americans, and progressing into the slave era, the foundation of America was built on oppression of other people. Legally sanctioned privileges were given to white Americans that were not granted to those of other ethnicities. Racially structured institutions such as the erection of Native American internment camps, the practice of slavery (where human beings were treated as disposable property without privileges or rights), and segregation were implemented following this