---
title: "Belief Perseverance — AP Psychology Definition & Examples"
description: "Belief perseverance is clinging to a belief even after it's been disproven. Learn how AP Psych tests it and how it differs from confirmation bias."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/belief-perseverance"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Belief Perseverance — AP Psychology Definition & Examples

## Definition

Belief perseverance is the tendency to maintain one's beliefs even after they have been discredited by factual information.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.8 Biases and Errors in Thinking ](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/biases-errors-thinking/study-guide/DIq2vGGjPbRN3hEazKoV)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Cognitive Dissonance](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/cognitive-dissonance): The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values.
- [Confirmation Bias](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/confirmation-bias): The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.
- Overconfidence Effect: A cognitive bias that causes someone to overestimate their own abilities or the accuracy of their beliefs and predictions.