A situation in which an individual encounters information that is inconsistent with their predispositions (attitudes and opinions that they currently hold.)
Humans seek to find ways to avoid dissonance
Selective exposure – not pay attention to conflicting information
Selective perception – misinterpreting such information or rejecting the sources of the information as lacking credibility
Compartmentalization – not making the connections between conflicting attitudes.
Rationalization – the development of an unwarranted interpretation of a situation to avoid confronting the real one.
Example: Lewinsky scandal
Selective exposure: don't watch/read news about scandal
Selective perception: “Right-wing conspiracy”
Compartmentalization: “private matter not related to being president”
Rationalization: “The question shouldn't have been asked… I'd have lied too”