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Balance Theory is a motivational theory of attitude change proposed by Fritz Heider, which conceptualizes the consistency motive as a drive toward psychological balance. Heider proposed that "sentiment" or liking relationships are balanced if the affect valence in a system multiplies out to a positive result. For example: a Person who likes an Other person will be balanced by the same valence attitude on behalf of the other. Symbolically, P (+) > O and P < (+) O results in psychological balance. This can be extended to objects (X) as well, thus introducing triadic relationships. If a person P likes object X but dislikes other person O, what does P feel upon learning that O created X? This is symbolized as such: * P (+) > X * P (-) > O * O (+) > X Multiplying the signs shows that the person will perceive imbalance (a negative multiplicative product) in this relationship, and will be motivated to correct the imbalance somehow. The Person can either: * Decide that O isn't so bad after all, * Decide that X isn't as great as originally thought, or * Conclude that O couldn't really have made X. Any of these will result in psychological balance, thus resolving the dilemma and satisfying the drive. (Person P could also avoid object X and other person O entirely, lessening the stress created by psychological imbalance.) Balance Theory is also useful in examining how celebrity endorsement affects consumers' attitudes toward products. If a person likes a celebrity and perceives (due to the endorsement) that said celebrity likes a product, said person will tend to liking the product more, in order to achieve psychological balance. However, if the person already had a dislike for the product being endorsed by the celebrity, she may like the celebrity less in addition to liking the product more, again to achieve psychological balance. To predict the outcome of a situation using Heider's Balance Theory, one must weigh the effects of all the potential results, and the one requiring the least amount of effort will be the likely outcome.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_theory
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Balance theory is a psychological theory that examines the consistency or balance in the cognitive structures of individuals. It suggests that people strive for consistency in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and that imbalances create psychological tension. According to the theory, people may change their beliefs or relationships to restore balance if they perceive inconsistencies.
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What is the inmate balance theory?
The inmate balance theory suggests that groups within society struggle to maintain a balance of power, where those who are the most wealthy and powerful attempt to keep control over those who are less so. This theory is commonly applied to understanding dynamics within the criminal justice system, where inmates may form alliances or hierarchies to maintain power and influence.
Which theory most clearly emphasizes the importance of homeostasis in motivation?
Drive reduction theory most clearly emphasizes the importance of homeostasis in motivation. According to this theory, organisms are motivated to maintain a state of balance or equilibrium by reducing physiological needs or drives through behaviors that satisfy those needs. Homeostasis is a key concept in this theory as it explains how motivation is driven by the need to restore internal balance.
What are the three different cognitive consistency theories?
Balance theory: People strive for consistency in their beliefs and relationships to maintain psychological balance. Cognitive dissonance theory: People experience discomfort when their beliefs or behaviors contradict each other, leading them to change attitudes or behaviors to restore consistency. Self-perception theory: People infer their attitudes and beliefs by observing their own behaviors, especially when internal cues are weak or ambiguous.
What is the theory of balance modulation?
Balance modulation is a theory that proposes the brain prioritizes maintaining postural stability over executing voluntary motor actions by modulating the excitability of muscle groups involved in balancing tasks. This theory suggests that the central nervous system adjusts the level of stability needed based on environmental demands and individual abilities. It is a key concept in understanding how the body regulates balance during various activities.
What is a state of balance that motivates an organism's behavior?
Homeostasis is a state of balance that motivates an organism's behavior, ensuring that internal conditions are kept within a narrow range for optimal functioning. This balance is regulated by various physiological mechanisms that help the organism maintain stability in response to changes in the environment.
What is balance theory in team or groups?
The balance theory in teams or groups refers to the study of the special sets.
Who discovered genic balance theory?
Genic balance theory is discovered by american scientist Calvin Blackman Bridges
What did Hofmann call his theory related to balance in a painting?
push-pull theory
What theory best explains work life balance?
It really depends on how you look at the importance of work-life balance. There are different theoretical approaches to understanding the importance of work life balance. However, I think the question asks about the psychological theory that best applies to work-life balance and understanding work-life balance. And that would be Erik Erikson's Life Stages Theory.
What theory holds that riots and other forms of collective prison violence occur when officials crack down on the prisoners?
Inmate Balance Theory Pg. 545 Introduction to Criminal Justice 11th Edition
What did the theory of isostasy states?
everything on the crust is in a state of balance
How have conflict theory viewed family?
conflict theory looks at the balance between the order and disorder in the family structure.
What does the Keynesian economic theory suggest?
That the government oversee and regulate the balance of the economy.
Mercantilist theory asserts that a nation should maintain a balance of payments?
positive
What is the inmate balance theory?
The inmate balance theory suggests that groups within society struggle to maintain a balance of power, where those who are the most wealthy and powerful attempt to keep control over those who are less so. This theory is commonly applied to understanding dynamics within the criminal justice system, where inmates may form alliances or hierarchies to maintain power and influence.
What does is the five phase theory of traditional Chinese medicine?
The five elements, or five phase theory, is also grounded in the notion of harmony and balance.
What is the five phase theory of traditional Chinese medicine?
The five elements, or five phase theory, is also grounded in the notion of harmony and balance.
