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Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Induced‐Compliance Paradigm: Concerns for Teaching Religious Studies
Author(s) -
Burns Charlene P. E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
teaching theology and religion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 11
eISSN - 1467-9647
pISSN - 1368-4868
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9647.2006.00255.x
Subject(s) - cognitive dissonance , self perception theory , self justification , unconscious mind , compliance (psychology) , psychology , cognition , social psychology , epistemology , cognitive psychology , psychoanalysis , philosophy , neuroscience
. Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Induced‐Compliance Paradigm pose some interesting questions for those teaching religious studies in publicly funded colleges and universities. Given that religious beliefs can be challenged by the historical‐critical study of scriptures, for example, and that the cognitive dissonance generated when this occurs can result in unconscious alteration of beliefs and attitudes, it is vital to make explicit the potential for manipulation of student beliefs. The author asks what, if any, responsibilities are implied for the instructor.