Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Ensure Your Success!

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What does cognitive dissonance refer to?

The harmony of beliefs and behaviors

Emotional satisfaction resulting from personal beliefs

Psychological discomfort from contradictory beliefs

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort that arises when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously, or when their behavior conflicts with their beliefs. This discomfort motivates individuals to either change their beliefs, adjust their behaviors, or rationalize their discrepancies in order to achieve internal consistency.

For example, someone who values health but smokes may experience cognitive dissonance because their behavior (smoking) contradicts their belief (valuing health). To alleviate this discomfort, they might quit smoking, downplay the risks of smoking, or change their belief about the importance of health.

This concept is fundamental in understanding how beliefs and actions interact and how people cope with inconsistencies in their ideologies and behaviors.

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The acceptance of opposing viewpoints

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Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Ensure Your Success!

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