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Cognitive Dissonance Theory – What Do You Think?

When reading Audiogon forum posts I am sometimes reminded of the theory of cognitive dissonance developed by social psychologist Leon Festinger back in the 1950s. The theory, which has since become well established as a central tenet of social psychology, deals with cognition (i.e., thoughts, beliefs) and behavior. One proposition implicit in Festinger’s theory is that we don’t always behave based on what we believe; rather, what we believe may be the result of how we have already behaved.

If you are not familiar with the theory of cognitive dissonance, a Google search on “Leon Festinger” and “cognitive dissonance” may prove enlightening. Here are a couple links that do a pretty good job of briefly explaining the theory.

http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html
http://inspiringscience.net/2012/01/27/cognitive-dissonance/

In the second link, I particularly like the example of cognitive dissonance taken from Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography.

So what do you think? Might we, as audiophiles, be at the mercy of cognitive dissonance?
gz3827
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Well said, Brownsfan.
And intelligence often serves merely as a tool for a higher level of rationalization.
djcxxx
99 posts
 
Cognitive dissonance is intrinsic to the psychology of high end audio. Those who deny its profound role often display the behavior most intensely. The major factors are subjectivity of experience, monetary investment, search for self validation, and group dynamics.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,544 posts
 
When the map inside your head no longer corresponds to the actual territory you traverse, things can and will go awry. The only problem is not seeing yourself as the problem.

All the best,
Nonoise
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Nonoise, I'd say they can and USUALLY do, there are people who have learned to live with dissonance .
In my experience they are usually profoundly religious people, not that I propose that as an iron-clad rule.

Pope Francis is an example.
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
Does this explain the preference for expensive cables?
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