In this assignment, you will assess how your attitudes and behaviors connect in order to understand how cognitive
dissonance as a cognitive process can influence the way you think and what attitudes you hold. This assignment is divided
into three parts, so it is suggested that you begin working on it in advance. PSY 3140, Social Psychology 2
Part I: Pick a debatable issue that you think is important to address in society today (e.g., universal healthcare). Write a
paragraph discussing why you care about and agree with the importance of this issue, and why others should care about
this issue as well. Allow one day before moving on to the next part.
Part II: Make sure at least one day has passed since writing the first paragraph. Now, write another paragraph detailing what
you personally do to promote this viewpoint. What actions do you take to support this cause? How have you specifically
contributed to promoting this issue in the recent past? You will include both of these paragraphs in your essay.
Part III: To complete your essay, identify your chosen topic in an introductory section and include your paragraphs from
Parts I and II. Then, reflect on your previous responses by addressing the following points.
a. Discuss the differences between your arguments from the first paragraph (in which you show the importance of the
topic) and the second paragraph (in which you discuss how you personally act on your viewpoint). Are your attitudes
about the importance of the issue reflected in your behaviors (i.e., is there dissonance between your attitudes and
your behaviors)? How do you feel about the level of dissonance between your attitudes and behaviors?
b. Elaborate on whether you think that your opinion of the importance of this topic has changed, particularly thinking
about your initial thoughts on the topic before you wrote either paragraph.
c. Briefly describe how experiencing cognitive dissonance about a debatable issue may make a person more
susceptible to social influence, such as conformity, from others who hold opposing opinions.
Throughout your discussion, incorporate research on cognitive dissonance from your textbook or another resource to
support your claims.
Your response should be at least two pages in length, and you must use at least two sources as references, one of which
may be your textbook. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must
have accompanying citations. Please format your paper and all citations in accordance with APA guidelines.
