problem solving and cognitive dissonance

Sorry for the late post I’ve been doing lots of research for my final paper (as I’m sure we all have) I picked the problem solving info-graphic. I have to say I was very confused by some of the infographics. So I will be trying to figure out the problem solving graphics as I explain a cultural difference.

As Chametria said, some cultures are more direct then others, and some are more individualistic. To add to Chametria’s excellent observations, I will add that as this graphic shows, that it might well be a fundamental attribution error to assume that it is some ones personality or behavior rather than giving some blame to cultural influences particularly when solving a problem.

Another thing Arasaratnam  (2011) points out selective exposure, selective attention and selective interpretation as a part of combatting cognitive dissonance, as part of communication. Cognitive dissonance is the idea that we desire balance in our thoughts and where there is inconsistency or conflict, or a problem, we do what we can to get back to balance or baseline (“normal”). Selective exposure is where as Arasaratnam (2011) writes that we try to gather the data that will support our perspectives, for example subscribing to only the liberal or only the conservative media, with out seeking a balanced news medium.  These types of behaviors reinforce and can protect us while further immerging ourselves our own biases. Any one approach to problem solving is a type of selective exposure.

Selective attention is when we are presented with information that counters our norms, or our biases, we tend to only give attention to things that confirm our beleifs, and we “tune out any information that might cause dissonance.” (Arasarantham, 2011) For example not accepting alternative solutions to solving the problem while ignoring other perspectives on the problem itself.

Selective interpretation

Interpreting ambiguous information in a way that serves our biases is called selective interpretation. For example if there is a fact or condition in the problem that needs to be solved, that could alter the approach to problem solving.

All in all, we as westerners need to not sweat the small problems so much, as we tend to exaggerate our problems and we need to see the wisdom in not addressing every problem immediately and head on, directly.

I wish there was some middle way that was taught by some wise man thousands of years ago that could show us the way.

Thanks for a great class y’all!