PSYC 2230 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9 and 12: Balance Theory, Fritz Heider, Cognitive Dissonance

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2230
• Professor: Pauline Charlton

Document Summary

Is really a group of theories, that share the same assumption that humans have a preference for consistency in their cognitions, attitudes, and behaviours. Begins with the idea that inconsistencies between, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour can generate motivation. This motivation is often conceived as similar to a state of tension: it is aversive and activates behaviours that are designed to reduce tension. The optimal state for an individual is one where their thoughts, behaviour, beliefs and attitudes are consistent with one another. The two specific theories that share the cognitive consistency approach are. Believed that a tendency exists for relationships between people, objects, or both, to be balanced, and for this reason his approach is termed balance theory. Relationships between people and objects can be positive (+) or negative (-) The basic principals of balance theory are illustrated using triadic (three) situations which involve two people and a third object/event/person/idea.