AAMC FL Practice Exam

What psychological concept involves denying or rationalizing discrepancies between beliefs and new information?

1. Social stigma

2. Cognitive dissonance

3. Psychoanalysis

4. Symbolic interaction

The correct answer is: Cognitive dissonance

The concept that involves denying or rationalizing discrepancies between existing beliefs and new information is known as cognitive dissonance. This psychological theory was developed by Leon Festinger in the 1950s and refers to the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes. When confronted with new information that conflicts with their existing beliefs, individuals often seek to reduce this discomfort by either rejecting the new information, justifying their current beliefs, or adapting their beliefs to align with the new information. Cognitive dissonance plays a crucial role in understanding human behavior and decision-making. It can lead to changes in attitudes or beliefs in order to maintain internal consistency. For example, if someone believes that smoking is harmful but continues to smoke, they may rationalize their behavior by downplaying the risks associated with smoking or finding information that supports their habit. The other concepts listed do not encompass this reaction to conflicting information in the same way. Social stigma refers to the negative perception and discrimination against certain groups, psychoanalysis focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experience, and symbolic interaction involves the focus on social interactions and the meanings individuals derive from them. None of these directly address the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance and the psychological strategies individuals employ to resolve