Political Persuasion Questions
Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort or tension that arises when an individual holds conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values. In the context of political persuasion, cognitive dissonance occurs when a person's existing political beliefs or attitudes clash with new information or persuasive messages they encounter. This dissonance can lead individuals to experience discomfort and seek to reduce it by either changing their beliefs, seeking out information that supports their existing beliefs, or rationalizing the inconsistencies. Political persuaders often aim to create cognitive dissonance in order to challenge and potentially change individuals' political attitudes or behaviors.