Social Psych Theories

Running Head: Psychology
Psychology
Social Psych Theories

1
Psychology
Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
Cognitive Dissonance Theory.......................................................................................................................2
Example of Cognitive Dissonance................................................................................................................2
Social Comparison theory............................................................................................................................3
Example of Social Comparison Theory.........................................................................................................3
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................4
References...................................................................................................................................................5

2
Psychology
Introduction
Social Psychology is a type of discipline in which one is able to understand details behind
the feelings, thoughts and the behavioral attitudes of human beings that are manipulated by the
actual, imagined or implied presence of the other people (Sablonniere, Bourgeois, & Najih,
2013). In today’s world, people feel the pressure to submit to the other conversations to just fit in
to the society. This is majorly known as cognitive psychology. Similarly there are other
psychological theories like cognitive dissonance and social comparison theory. Both such
theories are discussed in this report with the real life examples.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Every person has one or the other values and beliefs. Now today, people feel stressed
when their beliefs are not aligned with the other people. Hence, people keep on trying hard to
look for the consistency in their perceptions. In case of there is any discrepancy in their beliefs,
then there will be dissonance and that should be decreased (Metin & Camgoz, 2011).
The level of dissonance that people feel when there is discrepancy in their beliefs can
depend on some factors. There are some perceptions that are very personal and close to a
person’s heart. In such cases the dissonance can be even more. It depends on the dissonance as to
if there will be more pressure to relive the feelings of discomfort or not.
Example of Cognitive Dissonance
There can be many examples which can relate to the cognitive dissonance psychology.
For example: My friend purchased a new car that is also very responsible when it comes to
protecting the environment. I was the one who informed him that the car did not have good gas
mileage.