US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which of the following concepts describes a temporary feeling that affects decision-making?

1. Cognitive dissonance

2. Affect

3. Impulse control

4. Defense mechanism

The correct answer is: Affect

The concept that describes a temporary feeling affecting decision-making is the notion of affect. Affect refers to the experience of feeling or emotion and can significantly influence thoughts, behaviors, and decisions in the moment. For example, a person feeling happy may be more inclined to take risks or make optimistic choices, while someone experiencing sadness may opt for more conservative decisions. This emotional state can be transient, impacting immediate choices and actions without deeply affecting the person's overall personality or long-term identity. Cognitive dissonance involves the mental discomfort that arises when a person holds two conflicting beliefs or attitudes, often leading to a change in beliefs or behaviors to reduce the discomfort, but it is not necessarily a temporary feeling like affect. Impulse control relates to the ability to resist short-term temptations in favor of long-term goals, which can be affected by emotions but does not solely describe the emotional state itself. Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to cope with reality and to maintain self-image, which are more about mental processes than temporary feelings impacting immediate decisions.