Answer
Yes, the behaviorist view was indeed dominant before Festinger's theories came into play. Behaviorism, with its emphasis on observable behaviors and the rejection of internal mental states, held sway in the field of psychology. Festinger's work, particularly his theory of cognitive dissonance, challenged this dominant view by introducing the concept of internal cognitive processes influencing behavior and highlighted the significance of individuals' motivations, beliefs, and attitudes in understanding their actions.