Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What is cognitive dissonance?

1. A theory about positive reinforcement in learning

2. A state of discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs

3. A method of problem-solving in therapy

4. A technique for enhancing memory retention

The correct answer is: A state of discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs

Cognitive dissonance refers specifically to the psychological discomfort that occurs when a person holds two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. This can lead to feelings of tension and unease as individuals strive for internal consistency. When faced with dissonance, people are motivated to resolve the conflict, which may lead them to change their beliefs, justify their behaviors, or even abandon certain ideas altogether. This concept is crucial in understanding behaviors and attitudes in areas such as decision-making, persuasion, and personal growth. The other options, while related to psychological concepts, do not capture the essence of cognitive dissonance. Positive reinforcement pertains to behavioral theory and learning, problem-solving in therapy involves different approaches to addressing issues, and memory retention techniques focus on strategies to enhance recall—all distinct from the notion of conflicting beliefs that defines cognitive dissonance.