Psychology

Based on what you have learned in chapter three on attributions complete the following attribution scale and answer the question bellow it in no less than half-page double-spaced. Print out the completed attribution scale and submit it with your homework. For each of the following 20 pairs of traits, circle the one trait in each pair that is mostly a characteristic of you. If neither of the traits in a trait pair is the most characteristic, then indicate that by circling depends on the situation.

Serious Gay Depends on situation
Subjective Analytic Depends on situation
Future-oriented Present oriented Depends on situation
Energetic Relaxed Depends on situation
Unassuming Self-asserting Depends on situation
Lenient Firm Depends on situation
Reserved Emotionally expressive Depends on situation
Dignified Casual Depends on situation
Realistic Idealistic Depends on situation
Intense Calm Depends on situation
Skeptical Trusting Depends on situation
Quiet Talkative Depends on situation
Cultivated Natural Depends on situation
Sensitive Tough-minded Depends on situation
Self sufficient Sociable Depends on situation
Steady Flexible Depends on situation
Dominant Deferential Depends on situation
Cautious Bold Depends on situation
Uninhibited Self-controlled Depends on situation
Conscientious Happy-go-lucky Depends on situation

The results of the above exercise suggest that I am the type of person who attributes actions and behaviors to the situation at hand. It also implies that my personal disposition is greatly accounted to the circumstances that come my way. Personally, I think that I have a flexible personality, one that easily adapts to almost anything that may arise.  I can be quiet and reserved if the situation calls for it and can also be lively and interacting if it demands such. I guess I just have the tendency to be very observant that my actions are based on my understanding of the situation. I react as to how I perceive a given scenario to the best of my interpretation as to what it calls out for. Maybe this can also be attributed to the fact that I have the tendency to please other people and I seek for social approval. I believe that there are so many things to consider in making decisions other than yourself and in order to be at peace with myself and others, I just have to be sensitive with other peoples feelings, be open to other viewpoints, and be adaptable to whatever changes that may come.

Foot in the Door Phenomenon
The foot in the door phenomenon implies that a person is most likely to agree to bigger requests or tasks if he will agree on smaller tasks or requests at first. It explains that having a person agree to somebody elses terms is easier if that person willingly accepts smaller requests or favors the first time. For example, if you want your friend to carry out favor such as helping you out for setting up a party, you need to ask him or her to help you with the groceries first. If he or she agrees, then he or she is most likely to agree in helping you out in the entire preparation for the party. Basically, the foot in the door phenomenon describes the tendency of a person to step a bit closer to what the goals are without making intimidations to the other person. And if that particular person allows such move, then he is most likely to entertain other suggestions since he will be more drawn to the situation or the conversation.

Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance pertains to the overall feeling of discomfort that is brought about by a number of factors including frustration, guilt, anger, or embarrassment. The theory on cognitive dissonance suggests that when people were not able to meet their motivational drives as being brought about by inconsistencies in their actions, beliefs, and attitudes, they begin to justify and make rationalizations in an attempt to explain their behavior. For example, if a certain person says he a supporter human rights but pushes on death penalty because the victim happens to be somebody close to him, then, there is inconsistency in his beliefs. In this situation, this particular individual does not easily give up his beliefs but acts the opposite way. Another example would be those people who are believer of animal rights but eats animal meat. There is inconsistency in their beliefs and actions and in turn, they end up justifying their actions and their beliefs in order to alleviate their feeling of guilt and embarrassment. The most common example perhaps of cognitive dissonance is cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. Almost everyone agree that smoking and drinking are both detrimental to ones health but a lot of those who believe also smokes and drinks. These are a clear example of inconsistency in belief and actions. In conclusion, dissonance is an induced compliance of a certain belief, action, idea, or attitude but with sufficient justification of the response when the actions itself are being inconsistent.