Final answer:
Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a contradiction between behavior and attitude, and is not about the complexity of the attitude. An example of cognitive dissonance could be someone believing in the efficacy of a medication but not taking it due to fears of side effects. This conflict can be resolved through changing attitudes, justifying behavior, or altering belief importance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When our behavior contradicts our attitudes, this dissonance is known as cognitive dissonance rather than the attitude being called complex. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon occurring when an individual holds two contradictory beliefs or attitudes, or when their behavior conflicts with their stated beliefs. It can cause discomfort, leading the individual to change their attitudes or behaviors to reduce the inconsistency. For example, if someone believes that a medication is effective but avoids taking it due to its side effects, the conflict between the belief in the medication's efficacy and the behavior of not taking it due to fear of side effects illustrates cognitive dissonance.
To resolve cognitive dissonance, individuals might change their attitude, justify their behavior, or alter the importance of their beliefs. Attitude change might involve convincing oneself that the medication is not as effective as once believed, or justifying behavior might mean focusing more on the side effects' severity to rationalize not taking the medication. Altering the importance of beliefs could result in deciding that the side effects are a necessary trade-off for the medication's benefits.