Break It Down: Cognitive Dissonance

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"Holding two thoughts in your mind that are fundamentally at odds causes cognitive dissonance. It's an uncomfortable sensation for most people, so we find ways to resolve it." -- Celeste Headlee / Flickr

Sometimes people won’t – or don’t – change their minds, even when they’re presented with evidence showing their views aren’t based in fact. One reason why is a psychological term called cognitive dissonance.  

You may hear more and more about cognitive dissonance as we get closer to the election. It's a term used to explain politics all the time. But it's something that not a lot of people really understand. 

Celeste Headlee and Adam Ragusea "Break It Down” with help from University of Georgia associate professor of political science Audrey Haynes and Roxanne Donovan,  a professor of psychology and interdisciplinary studies at Kennesaw State University. 

Cognitive dissonance is defined by Merriam-Webster as "psychological conflict resulting from incongruous beliefs and attitudes held simultaneously."