Elliot Aronson, a pivotal figure in psychology renowned for his insights on cognitive dissonance, discusses intriguing aspects of human behavior. He shares a humorous teaching moment that highlights the pratfall effect, showcasing how vulnerability can foster connections. The conversation delves into cognitive dissonance's impact on self-justification, exploring how we rationalize our choices. Aronson also emphasizes the art of self-persuasion, urging listeners to engage in argument-making for better decision-making. Personal anecdotes about love and marriage add depth to his reflections.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The Pratfall Effect in Action
Elliot Aronson encouraged his TA, Larry, to show his muddy backside to the class after falling.
Larry's vulnerability led to a standing ovation and him meeting his future wife.
insights INSIGHT
Pratfalls and Competence
The pratfall effect works best for those already perceived as competent.
A mistake makes competent people relatable, but it further diminishes mediocre individuals.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Authenticity over Performance
Never fake a pratfall for effect; authenticity matters.
Be genuine and reveal vulnerabilities naturally.
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Elliot Aronson is one of the preeminent psychologists of the 20th century — his mentors were Abraham Maslow and Leon Festinger, and his award-winning psychology textbooks are seminal even for non-psychologists. Adam asks Elliot about his pioneering work on making mistakes and cognitive dissonance, or the discomfort we feel when we realize that our attitudes or actions contradict our values. Then, the two discuss the dangers (and upsides) of rationalizing our beliefs — and strategies for making better decisions while keeping an open mind. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
ReThinking 
