What concept refers to the tendency to cling to initial conceptions even after they have been discredited?

Belief perseverance is the concept that describes the tendency for individuals to hold on to their initial beliefs or opinions, even when presented with evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This phenomenon illustrates how deeply entrenched our convictions can be, highlighting the psychological struggle to reconcile conflicting information.

When individuals encounter evidence that challenges their existing beliefs, rather than changing their views, they often double down or rationalize their positions through a variety of means, such as selectively interpreting new information or dismissing the credibility of the source presenting the challenge. This can lead to continued adherence to a belief despite clear disconfirmation, affecting decision-making and perceptions in various areas, such as politics, health, and personal relationships.

In contrast, the other concepts—like fixation, justification of effort, and cognitive dissonance—deal with different psychological phenomena. Fixation typically refers to an inability to see a problem from a new perspective, justification of effort relates to the tendency to attribute greater value to an outcome that required significant effort, and cognitive dissonance is the discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or when beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent. Belief perseverance specifically focuses on the persistence of one's beliefs despite contrary evidence, making it the correct choice in this context.