Personal Career and Financial Security Ch 13

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary aim of the Hitler Youth Law established in 1936?

To educate children on democracy

To make membership in the Hitler Youth mandatory for children (correct)

To provide military training to boys only

To promote physical fitness among children

How does cognitive dissonance manifest in individuals when confronted with conflicting ideas?

It often causes emotional or violent reactions (correct)

It encourages them to ignore all conflicting information

It motivates them to seek out more evidence to support their view

It typically leads them to embrace the new idea

What is cognitive dissonance?

A method to control people's behavior.

A psychological conflict resulting from incongruent beliefs. (correct)

An educational theory used to teach children.

A state where facts align perfectly with beliefs.

What was one of the fates suffered by astronomer Galileo for his beliefs about the heliocentric model?

His books were banned and he was imprisoned Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of open-mindedness is suggested as a defense against cognitive dissonance?

Listening thoughtfully to others' arguments Signup and view all the answers

What physiological reactions may occur due to cognitive dissonance?

Higher blood pressure and nervousness. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the janissaries in relation to the rulers of Turkey?

To serve as highly trained, loyal soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of deeply ingrained models on cognitive dissonance?

They increase stress and the desire to ignore contradictions. Signup and view all the answers

How might a person react if confronted with evidence that contradicts their model?

They may become angry or dismiss the contradiction. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of cognitive dissonance suggest about human beliefs?

Beliefs can lead to stress when challenged Signup and view all the answers

Why might those in power try to impose their models on children early in life?

To influence how they perceive and handle cognitive dissonance in adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient practice is related to the impulsive reactiveness in response to negative information?

Shooting the messenger Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dissonance' refer to in cognitive dissonance?

A disagreement or disharmony in thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

In the flat earth example, how does cognitive dissonance manifest?

By ignoring sensory evidence due to a fixed belief. Signup and view all the answers

What might a person experience as a severe need during cognitive dissonance?

A desire to seek comfort in established beliefs and ignore contradictions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitive Dissonance

Definition: Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person encounters information that contradicts their existing beliefs or models. This creates a state of mental discomfort or disharmony.
Mechanism: The individual may resist or dismiss contradictory information, change the subject, or even become angry or withdraw. This is driven by a desire to maintain consistency in their worldview.
Physiological Reaction: Cognitive dissonance can result in physical reactions like increased blood pressure, nervousness, and irritability, similar to the discomfort of a basic need like hunger or thirst. The stronger the contradiction and the more deeply ingrained the model, the stronger the discomfort.
Controlling Models: Those seeking to control others often impose models early in life (e.g., the Hitler Youth, Young Pioneers) to create ingrained beliefs and unwavering obedience, much like the Janissaries.
Janissaries: Historically, Janissaries were elite soldiers in the Ottoman Empire, trained from childhood to be fiercely loyal and obedient to the rulers, even blindly following orders without questioning. Early indoctrination created a sort of "military robot" mindset.
Handling Contradictions: Presenting conflicting information requires sensitivity. If someone is strongly invested in their model, the presenter should be polite and understand that discomfort is likely.
Avoiding Dissonance: Acknowledging imperfections in one's models and actively seeking alternative viewpoints can reduce personal stress. A willingness to admit fallibility keeps one open to new perspectives.

Importance of Open-mindedness

Tolerance: Embracing the possibility of error in one's models fosters tolerance for others' views.
Maturity: Accepting one's potential for mistakes is a sign of maturity and open-mindedness.

Historical Examples

Flat Earth Model: The example of someone believing the earth is a flat disk, contradicting the observed phenomenon of ships disappearing hull first when viewed from the shore, illustrates how cognitive dissonance can arise from perceived contradictions.
Religious and Scientific Conflicts: Historical examples like the persecution of Galileo for promoting the heliocentric model demonstrate how strong belief systems can cause opposition to new ideas. Cases such as Giordano Bruno shows the dangers of cognitive dissonance.
Janissary System: The Janissaries highlight how deeply influencing someone's model shapes obedience and loyalty. The Janissaries are a prime historical example of how controlling models can affect beliefs and behavior. Creating loyalty through total control of belief structures was a strategy applied historically by controlling individuals.

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Description

Explore the concept of cognitive dissonance, its definition, and how it affects individuals when confronting contradictory information. Understand the psychological and physiological reactions that occur and the historical context of controlling beliefs within certain groups.