What does the term "dissonance" refer to in the context of reading?

In the context of reading, "dissonance" refers to a feeling of conflict or disagreement that arises when a reader encounters information or ideas that contradict their existing beliefs or understandings. This emotional or cognitive tension can prompt deeper thinking and reflection as the reader navigates the discrepancy between what they already know and new information.

For instance, when students read texts that challenge their preconceived notions, they might experience dissonance that encourages them to reconsider their viewpoints, engage more critically with the material, and foster greater comprehension. This process can help develop analytical thinking skills and enhance overall literacy by pushing readers to reconcile the conflict they experience.

This understanding of dissonance is essential in reading instruction, as acknowledging and addressing such feelings can lead to improved engagement and learning outcomes for students. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of dissonance within the reading context, as they describe unrelated concepts such as agreement, techniques for word recognition, or strategies for fluency.