Welcome to the first episode of the Performance Initiative Podcast with Dr. Grant Cooper and Dr. Zinovy Meyler. In this episode, Dr. Grant Cooper and Dr. Zinovy Meyler talk to Professor Grant Cooper from Princeton University about the concept of cognitive dissonance and its impact on decision-making and attitudes. The discussion begins with an introduction to cognitive dissonance and its definition. The famous Festinger and Carlsmith experiment is then discussed, highlighting how people resolve cognitive dissonance by changing their attitudes. The conversation also touches on the Ben Franklin effect, which demonstrates how doing a favor for someone can change attitudes. The importance of consistency and the role of choice in cognitive dissonance are explored. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the influence of cognitive dissonance on political extremism. This conversation explores the concept of cognitive dissonance and its impact on individuals and society. It delves into the influence of social media on extremism and the tendency to align one's beliefs with the dominant group. The concept of vicarious dissonance is discussed, highlighting how individuals can experience dissonance when someone they feel close to acts in a way that contradicts their values. The conversation also explores the potential use of dissonance in advertising and personal growth. The darker side of cognitive dissonance is examined, including its role in gang behavior and extreme ideologies. The importance of choice in resolving dissonance is emphasized, as well as the potential misuse of the term 'cognitive dissonance'. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Cognitive Dissonance (01:21) Dr. Joel Cooper - Cognitive Dissonance (02:17) Understanding Cognitive Dissonance (02:54) Exploring the Classic Fessinger and Carl Smith Experiment (08:25) The Role of Choice and Reward in Cognitive Dissonance (12:28) Ben Franklin Effect (17:01) The Role of Consistency in Cognitive Dissonance 18:51 Cognitive Dissonance in Children and Monkeys (21:39) The Impact of Cognitive Dissonance on Decision Making (31:18) The Role of Choice in Cognitive Dissonance (36:01) The Impact of Success in Convincing Others on Cognitive Dissonance (38:18) The Role of Social Media in Political Extremism (39:11) The Impact of Social Media on Personal Opinions (40:08) The Consequences of Expressing Opinions Publicly (41:37) The Concept of Vicarious Dissonance (49:57) Applying Cognitive Dissonance in Everyday Life (59:40) The Influence of Group Behavior on Individual Actions (01:04:16) The Dark Side of Cognitive Dissonance (01:10:20) Misuse of the Term 'Cognitive Dissonance' (01:15:49) Closing Remarks and Recommendations Professor Joel Cooper's Book - https://a.co/d/4I6Y39r