In today's lecture, we will delve into the fascinating world of psychology, focusing on the concept of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds conflicting beliefs or attitudes, leading to a sense of discomfort. For example, imagine a person who is aware of the harmful effects of smoking yet continues to smoke due to social pressure. This conflict between knowledge and behavior creates cognitive dissonance. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in studying human behavior and decision-making processes. Key Points: - Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort caused by holding contradictory beliefs or attitudes. - Example: Continuing to smoke despite knowing its harmful effects.