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When actions and beliefs conflict

Someone whose actions conflict with a belief might change their behavior, reconsider the belief, or explain why this occasion was different. Cognitive dissonance offers a way to investigate the discomfort of inconsistency without deciding which response a particular person will choose.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • When does an explanation resolve the conflict, and when might it simply excuse it?
  • How could someone change their behavior, their belief, or their interpretation of the situation to reduce the conflict?

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