What primary factor contributes to the discomfort of adult learners when introduced to new knowledge?

The discomfort experienced by adult learners when introduced to new knowledge often stems from a conflict with existing knowledge. Adults typically have a wealth of prior experiences and established beliefs that shape their understanding of the world. When faced with new information that contradicts or challenges these pre-existing concepts, they may feel resistance or discomfort. This phenomenon is known as cognitive dissonance, where the mind struggles to reconcile conflicting ideas or beliefs.

Adult learners are used to constructing their own meanings based on their life experiences, and a significant deviation from these established frameworks can lead to a heightened sense of discomfort as they work to integrate the new knowledge with what they already know. Hence, this conflict is a primary factor that can impede their learning process and can require effective instructional strategies to bridge the gap between old and new understandings.