Question

_____ theory best explains attitude change while _____ theory best explains attitude formation. self-presentation; relative deprivation relative deprivation; self-presentation cognitive dissonance; self-perception self-perception; cognitive dissonance

Answer 1

Cognitive Dissonance theory explains how attitudes change due to psychological discomfort from inconsistent behaviors and beliefs, while Self-Perception theory describes attitude formation based on observations of one's own behavior and the conclusions drawn from it.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cognitive Dissonance theory best explains attitude change, while Self-Perception theory best explains attitude formation. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological discomfort that arises from conflicting behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs, which are inconsistent with one's positive self-perception. People experience this dissonance when they realize that their actions do not match their beliefs, like believing smoking is bad but continuing to smoke, leading to psychological discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals may change their behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs.

On the other hand, Self-Perception theory suggests that individuals develop their attitudes by observing their behavior and concluding what attitudes must have caused them. This indicates that if people notice themselves performing a certain action, they infer they must have a positive attitude towards that action.

External changes in attitude are primarily influenced by persuasion, exploiting the central and peripheral routes to persuasion. The central route involves logic and reasoning with facts and information, while the peripheral route uses superficial cues like attractiveness or association with positivity.

Answer 2

The answer is Cognitive Dissonance; Self-Perception.

"Cognitive Dissonance theory best explains attitude change while Self-Perception theory best explains attitude formation."

In Cognitive Dissonance Theory, an individual seeks consistency in his beliefs and behaviors. When a conflict happens between the two, there's a need for change. For example, a man who smokes cannot quit smoking even if he knows the bad effects to his health. To reduce the discomfort, he will justify his behavior, convincing himself that to quit smoking will just make him gain weight, which is also a health risk.

On the other hand, the Self-Perception Theory assumes that our actions are self-revealing. We use our behavior to know what we feel. For example, you aren't sure if you really like the new student in your class. But you always greet her and have small talk with her, and even let her borrow some of your books. Your behavior towards your new classmate will make you think that you probably like her.