Chapter 3 Action-Based Model of Dissonance. A Review, Integration, and Expansion of Conceptions of Cognitive Conflict

Eddie Harmon-Jones, David M. Amodio, Cindy Harmon-Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

An action-based model of dissonance is presented. This model accepts the original theory's proposal that a sufficient cognitive inconsistency causes the negative affective state of dissonance. It extends the original theory by proposing why cognitive inconsistency prompts dissonance and dissonance reduction. After reviewing past theoretical and empirical developments on cognitive dissonance theory, we describe the action-based model and present results from behavioral and physiological experiments that have tested predictions derived from this model. In particular, this evidence converges with recent neuroscience evidence in suggesting that the anterior cingulate cortex and left prefrontal cortical region are involved in conflict detection and resolution, respectively. We end by reviewing research on individual differences in dissonance arousal and reduction, and present a new measure designed to assess these individual differences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-166
Number of pages48
JournalAdvances in Experimental Social Psychology
Volume41
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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