tension

Meaning: In psychology, tension is the uncomfortable arousal that follows an unmet need or an unresolved conflict. Drive-reduction theory says a physiological need creates a drive, and behavior aims to reduce it. Cognitive dissonance (Festinger) is the discomfort of holding inconsistent beliefs, or of acting against one's attitudes. People can reduce it by changing the attitude, changing the behavior, or adding a justifying thought. In sociology, tension describes friction between groups or between social goals and means. Conflict theory attributes it to competition over resources and power. Strain theory (Merton) attributes it to a gap between cultural goals and the legitimate means of reaching them. (In physics, tension is a pulling force along a string, which is a different sense.)

On the MCAT: A classic setup has participants do a dull task and are paid $1 or $20 to tell the next person it was fun. You predict that the $1 group later rates the task as more enjoyable, because with little external justification they feel more dissonance and resolve it by shifting their attitude. Other questions ask which sociological theory explains friction between groups, or deviance when approved goals are blocked.

Common confusion: Tension names a state, not a theory, so identify the framework the passage uses. Do not mix it up with role strain (too many demands within one role) or role conflict (demands from different roles clash).