What is cognitive dissonance in the context of interrogations?

Cognitive dissonance in the context of interrogations refers to the psychological conflict that arises when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes. This conflict can create discomfort, motivating the individual to resolve the dissonance by changing their beliefs or justifying their actions in a way that can be exploited during an interrogation.

In practical terms, interrogators can create situations that induce cognitive dissonance in suspects by presenting evidence or information that contradicts their existing beliefs or narratives about the situation. This discomfort can lead suspects to reconsider their positions, potentially making them more amenable to confession or revealing the truth. Ultimately, understanding cognitive dissonance helps interrogators facilitate a psychological shift in the suspect's perspective, which can be crucial in the interrogation process.