Cognitive Dissonance Theory: A Radical View

Abstract

A radical view of dissonance theory is presented. The view is radical in the sense that it rejects all reformulations of dissonance theory as unnecessary and misleading. The chapter argues for a return to the original version of dissonance theory as presented in 1957, but supplemented by an axiom stating the necessity of commitment, or more specifically the free choice of compliance. The chapter reviews the results of an extensive research program aimed at testing predictions from reformulated versions of dissonance theory against the radical version. Although individual studies may sometimes allow for interpretations alternative to the one offered, the total body of evidence presented is supportive of the radical view presented by the authors.