When reading information that challenges one's beliefs, one tends to minimize the strengths of such claims. __________ accounts for this barrier to reasoning rationally.
A) Belief perseverance
B) The availability heuristic
C) The unfairness bias
D) The representativeness heuristic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Belief perseverance refers to the tendency for people to continue holding onto their beliefs, even when presented with evidence that contradicts or challenges those beliefs. This can lead to a minimization of the strengths of opposing arguments, as people are more likely to dismiss information that undermines their preexisting beliefs. The availability heuristic, unfairness bias, and representativeness heuristic may all play a role in shaping one's beliefs, but do not specifically explain the tendency to minimize opposing arguments.

When Reading Information That Challenges One's Beliefs, One Tends to Minimize