1.1 How to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance
There are three key strategies to reduce or minimize cognitive dissonance:
Focus on more supportive beliefs that outweigh the dissonant belief or
behavior.
Reduce the importance of the conflicting belief.
Change the conflicting belief so that it is consistent with other beliefs or
behaviors.
1.2 Why is Cognitive Dissonance Important?
Cognitive dissonance plays a role in many value judgments, decisions and evaluations.
Becoming aware of how conflicting beliefs impact the decision-making process is a
great way to improve your ability to make faster and more accurate choices.
1.3 Examples of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance can occur in many areas of life, but it is particularly evident in
situations where an individual's behavior conflicts with beliefs that are integral to his
or her self-identity. For example, consider a situation in which a man who places a
value on being environmentally responsible just purchased a new car that he later
discovers does not get great gas mileage.