Parallel constraint satisfaction processes
Parallel constraint satisfaction processes (PCSP) is a model that integrates the fastest growing research
areas in the study of the mind; Connectionism, neural networks, and parallel distributed processing
models.[1]
Dynamic model of attitude
This model integrates these three areas to propose a holistic explanation for an individual's response to
cognitive dissonance. It models an explanation of the dynamic structure of attitudes and the attitude change
involved in cognitive dissonance theory. PCSP posits that beliefs impose constraints on other beliefs, and
conditions can either constrain or make salient different aspects of one's beliefs. Attitudes and beliefs are
therefore changeable, due to trying to satisfactorily fit with the various constraints of circumstances as well
as adapt to the constantly evolving truths in life. It is not an alternative to the theory but rather a model that
incorporates the many facets of cognitive dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance theory centers mainly
on:
Cognition
Self-concept
Social identity
Human beings may give greater importance to one of these areas but no single factor will be the sole
influence. The different theories are probably all accurate given the right time, the right place, and the right
individual, therefore an integrated more holistic model may better explain the reasons for attitude/behavior
inconsistency and the change of attitude following cognitive dissonance.
Gestalt psychology
Researchers (Read 1991) have found within Gestalt psychology an integrated model of explaining attitude
change that incorporates neuroscientific and social psychological concepts.[1] Theories of cognitive
dissonance as well as its alternatives are based on the assumption that the attitudes and beliefs one holds are
fixed entities. Recently psychologists have progressed from categorizing psychological phenomena as
static, to recognizing the dynamic aspects that vary with different contexts. The concept of neural network
models uses the Gestalt principle of totality to explain social, emotional and cognitive tendencies.
In a feedback or parallel constraint satisfaction network, activation passes around symmetrically connected
nodes until the activation of all the nodes asymptotes or "relaxes" into a state that satisfies the constraints
among the nodes. This process allows for the integration of a number of different sources of information in
parallel.[2]
Social psychology
Parallel constraint satisfaction processes can be applied to three broad areas in social psychology:[1]
Impression formation and causal attribution
Cognitive consistency
Goal-directed behavior.
This approach revealed that some phenomena that seem unexpected or counterintuitive are in actuality due
to the normal functioning of the cognitive system. For example, Shultz and Lepper (1996) noted that in
thinking about cognitive dissonance in terms of parallel constraint satisfaction processes, it becomes clear
that cognitive consistency phenomena—such as those studied by dissonance researchers—are not the result
of atypical or unusual cognitive processes but rather are the direct result of normal cognitive functioning.[3]
See also
Cognitive dissonance is the original concept of the theory.
Self-perception theory is a competing theory of attitude change.
References
1. Read, S.J., Vanman, E.J. & Miller L.C. (1997). Connectionism, parallel constraint satisfaction
processes, and gestalt principles: (Re)Introducing cognitive dynamics to social psychology
(http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.862.758&rep=rep1&type=pdf),
Personality and Social Psychology Review, 1 (1), 26–53.
2. Read, S.J., Snow, C.J. & Simon, D. (2003). Constraint Satisfaction Processes in Social
Reasoning (https://cloudfront.escholarship.org/dist/prd/content/qt78j7z3jp/qt78j7z3jp.pdf), In
R. Alterman & D. Kirsch (Eds.), Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Cognitive
Science Society [CD-ROM]. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
3. Shultz, T.R. & Lepper, M.R. (1996). Constraint satisfaction modeling of cognitive dissonance
phenomena. Psychological Review, 103, 219–240.
External links
Article on Connectionism, parallel constraint satisfaction processes, and gestalt principles (h
ttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15647127)
Article on Constraint satisfaction modeling of cognitive dissonance phenomena (https://book
s.google.com/books?id=T7skQirc94IC&dq=Constraint+satisfaction+modeling+of+cognitive+
dissonance+phenomena&pg=PA462)
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