For the second essay assignment you are to choose a chapter which was most meaningful to you this semester. From that chapter, choose a theory that is particularly meaningful or interesting to you and do the following: 1.Explain the communication theory (what it is saying, what its relationship is to interpersonal communication). If you want to you can look up additional information about the theory through other sources or textbooks (approximately ¾ page). 2.Why you believe this theory is important and/or meaningful to interpersonal communication and/or interpersonal relationships. (approximately 3/4 page) 3.How you think you will use this theory in the future to analyze, critique and understand the interpersonal communication occurring around you or in your relationships. (Approximately 1

Communication is one of the most crucial aspects of humanity. In a world without communication, people would not be able to convey messages that help to build effective socio-economic and political structures. Communication makes sense of life and helps to bring order amongst humans. Communication entails many aspects, a factor that led to the formulation of different communication theories. In a broad sense, communication theories are fields of mathematics and information models that study the technical processes of information and human communication. Effective communication depends on many factors, among them human beliefs and perceptions. Cognitive dissonance theory explains ways in which individuals can accommodate new philosophies or deny them for their discordancy with their beliefs.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort felt by humans when there are discrepancies between what they know and believe in and new information that challenges these notions or knowledge. For instance, people who believe in the existence of God can have their beliefs debunked by the concepts of sociology. This may create a disturbing psychological state which the people may seek to alleviate (Acharya, et al. 401). In this case, they can either, deny and avoid the information completely. This way, the uncomfortable psychological state is calmed. Cognitive dissonance theory, thus, aims to explain the strategies used by people to accommodate alien ideas or deny them and continue to follow their original notions.