Belief Perseverance
Definition
Belief perseverance is the tendency to stick with your beliefs even when presented with evidence that contradicts them. It's not just about holding a belief, but actively maintaining it even when logically, it shouldn't be held anymore. This happens because our brains don't just passively accept information. Instead, we interpret it through the lens of what we already believe. We tend to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs (confirmation bias) and downplay or dismiss information that challenges them. It’s a common cognitive bias, meaning it's a systematic error in thinking that affects most people.
Example
Denise believes that people born under the zodiac sign Gemini are generally untrustworthy. She meets several Geminis who are trustworthy and kind. However, whenever she meets someone (even if they are not a Gemini) who is untrustworthy, she thinks, "See? That's exactly what I mean. People can't be trusted, just like those Geminis." She’ll also selectively remember
instances where Geminis did seem untrustworthy, and conveniently forget or
minimize the many times Geminis behaved reliably. Even though the evidence doesn't support her claim, and many Geminis contradict it, she continues to believe it.
Why it Matters
Belief perseverance can have significant real-world consequences. It can lead to poor decision-making, particularly in areas like politics, finance, or health. It can hinder problem-solving, as it prevents us from objectively considering alternative solutions. Understanding belief perseverance isn't about convincing people they are wrong but understanding how we think. Recognizing this bias in ourselves and others can encourage a more critical and open-minded approach to information, leading to more
rational and informed choices.