Annagrace Presley's Psych Blog

For my fourth blog entry, I would like to discuss the concept of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological term that refers to the discomfort experienced when an someone holds beliefs, ideas, or values that contradict their choice of action. This state of mental discomfort often leads individuals to modify their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to reduce this inconsistency and restore cognitive harmony. Understanding cognitive dissonance is crucial as it allows us to see the human tendency to rationalize conflicting beliefs or actions. It explains how people strive for consistency in their thoughts and behaviors, often resorting to justifying their actions or changing their attitudes to align with their behavior. I believe this concept is important to understand because it allows to recognize when I am rationalizing my beliefs or actions to myself, which I know see is something I do often. Because of this, an understanding of cognitive dissonance is releva...

Some of the study strategies I have used and use currently are avoiding distractions and multitasking while studying and working on assignments because I know that I am easily distracted and will not retain the information or focus if I am trying to multitask. I will stay off my phone until the assignment is complete and only focus on one assignment at a time. Another tactic I have recently implemented into my study strategies is planning and making a schedule of things I need to get done a few days before and when I should do them to get everything done on time without having to be stressed. I had been staying up too late getting assignments done because I was not expecting the work load that I would have, and then I would be stressed and not able to focus during the day. The schedule has helped me tremendously to get things done early and have more sleep and free time.  A strength that I believe I have in my study habits is active listening and note taking. I have made an effort ...