Cognitive Dissonance Experiment

In the Cognitive Dissonance Experiment conducted by Leon Festinger, the researchers were interested in how we rationalize to ourselves about why we think and behave certain ways. Participants were students enrolled in a certain course at Stanford University. Based off of this factor and the time period, we can assume that they were mostly of similar background (white and middle class). Once in the lab, they were told that the experiment was about how expectations affect the experience of something. There were 2 groups in every round of the experiment. One group was given an introduction and explanation of the experiment by a student who had already completed it. The other group got no explanation. The second group was immediately shown the first task: placing 12 spools into a tray, emptying it and refilling it. They were told to do this for thirty minutes. After placing the spools, they were asked to turn 48 square pegs clockwise a quarter turn, around a board. Only after completing both tasks were the subjects in the second group debriefed and told …show more content…
I work at a local dance studio and this past month a dance club held auditions at our facilities. One of my friends was reluctant to try out for the dance club because they have a relatively low profile here on campus and last year at competition they did not place. The audition process was seven hours long, consisting of multiple rounds, and on par with a professional dance audition. She found the process to be overkill because the club as a whole is not that good. She witnessed many talented dancers get cut for the smallest reasons, so when she found out she made the team she was ecstatic. To avoid cognitive dissonance, compensate for the ridiculous audition process and the fact that the club is not any better nor are its members significantly talented than those of others groups, she now believes that the dance club is the coolest club associated with