Describe cognitive dissonance with reference to one example of human behaviour.

Using one example, describe how changing behaviour can reduce cognitive dissonance.

Explain how cognitive dissonance may lead a person to change a belief, using one relevant example.

Explain why cognitive dissonance does not necessarily lead a person to correct their behaviour. Provide one relevant example.

Context: Health and well-being

Leila believes that getting enough sleep is important for her health, but she regularly chooses to stay awake late watching programmes. She feels uncomfortable when she thinks about this conflict. Recently, she has begun telling herself that losing sleep is not important while she is young.

Apply your knowledge of cognitive dissonance to Leila's response.

Context: Human relationships

Omar believes that close friends should be honest with each other. After accidentally damaging a friend's camera, he chooses not to tell her and feels uneasy about keeping it secret. He later tells himself that remaining silent is considerate because his friend already has many worries.

Analyse Omar's response using cognitive dissonance.

Context: Human development

Twelve-year-old Maya says that everyone should have an equal turn when playing games. During a game with younger children, she deliberately takes several extra turns and later feels uncomfortable about what she did. She asks an adult how she can put things right.

Using cognitive dissonance, suggest a response the adult could encourage to help Maya reduce her discomfort.

Context: Learning and cognition

Daniel freely chooses an optional course and spends many evenings completing its demanding introductory assignments. He then finds the lessons dull and begins to think that choosing the course was a mistake. This makes him uncomfortable because he believes that he uses his study time wisely.

Using your knowledge of cognitive dissonance, predict how Daniel might change his view of the course and give reasons for your prediction.

Discuss the role of cognitive dissonance in health-behaviour change and its implications for health and well-being.