One problem in the field of conceptual change theory is that disparities occur with respect to the meanings of the terms "conflict,""disequilibrium," and "dissonance." As the strategies aimed at conceptual change have evolved, the same terms have taken on new meaning. This paper aims to present a brief review of the evolution of conceptual change concepts particularly as they relate to the terms "conflict" and "dissonance," to propose some additional distinctions and attempt to define terms for them in a consistent way, and to suggest that dissonance can play an important part in conceptual change strategies. Contains 53 references. (Author/DDR)