Arguments Create Cognitive Disharmony

Yale researchers have devised a way to literally see what goes on in our brain while we agree and while we argue with someone.

The study found that when people are in agreement, their brain activity was harmonious and tended to be concentrated on sensory areas of the brain such as the visual system. But, during an argument these areas of the brain were less active while the brain’s frontal lobes were more active. The frontal lobes are where higher order executive functions reside. During an argument, many more regions of the brain are activated. As each individual combats the other’s argument, it creates cognitive disharmony.