Who is associated with Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

Cognitive Dissonance Theory is most famously associated with Leon Festinger. This theory posits that individuals experience psychological discomfort, or dissonance, when they hold two or more contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values, or when their behavior conflicts with their beliefs. Festinger proposed that this discomfort motivates individuals to reduce the dissonance by changing their beliefs, justifying their behavior, or adding new cognitions. This foundational concept has had a profound impact on understanding human motivation, belief systems, and behavior change, making Festinger a key figure in the field of social psychology.

The contributions of other psychologists mentioned in the choices pertain to different aspects of psychology; for example, Fritz Heider is known for his work on attribution theory, B.F. Skinner focused on behaviorism and operant conditioning, and Albert Bandura is recognized for social learning theory. Each of these figures made significant contributions to psychology but are not directly linked to the development of Cognitive Dissonance Theory, reinforcing the importance of recognizing Festinger's role in this specific context.