Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which of the following biases makes people cling to old beliefs despite new evidence?

1. Confirmation bias

2. Belief bias

3. Hindsight bias

4. Self-serving bias

The correct answer is: Belief bias

The phenomenon of clinging to old beliefs even when faced with new evidence is best described by belief bias. This bias occurs when an individual's pre-existing beliefs influence their reasoning capabilities. When confronted with arguments or evidence that contradict established beliefs, individuals may disregard the validity of the new information and maintain their original views. This often leads to a rationalization of their beliefs over the new evidence presented, showcasing a cognitive dissonance that reinforces existing perspectives. In contrast, confirmation bias refers to the tendency to seek out or give more weight to information that confirms one’s existing beliefs while disregarding information that challenges them. Hindsight bias is the inclination to see events as having been predictable after they have already occurred, often leading to the belief that one "knew it all along." Self-serving bias involves attributing positive outcomes to one's own actions and negative outcomes to external factors, which does not directly pertain to the clinging of beliefs in the face of new evidence. Thus, belief bias specifically captures the essence of maintaining adherence to old beliefs regardless of new information.