Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What explains the difficulty for a student to accommodate new information that conflicts with previous beliefs?

1. Metacognitive Process

2. Cognitive Dissonance

3. Declarative Knowledge

4. Schema Theory

The correct answer is: Metacognitive Process

The scenario described highlights an essential cognitive phenomenon often referred to as cognitive dissonance. This occurs when individuals encounter new information that contradicts their existing beliefs or values. In such cases, students may experience psychological discomfort, which motivates them to reconcile the conflict—either by clinging to their original beliefs, dismissing the new information, or modifying their perspectives to accommodate both ideas. Cognitive dissonance plays a crucial role in learning because it relates directly to how individuals process information and the emotional responses involved when their pre-existing beliefs are challenged. The discomfort that arises can hinder the learning process, as students may resist engaging with new material that conflicts with what they already understand. Recognizing this concept is fundamental for educators to help students manage and integrate new knowledge effectively. In contrast, the metacognitive process refers to one's awareness and regulation of their own learning and thinking strategies, which does not directly address the conflict between new information and prior beliefs. Declarative knowledge is about understanding facts and information, while schema theory involves frameworks that help organize and interpret information rather than focusing on the emotional and psychological responses triggered by conflicting beliefs.