Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Pre-existing beliefs refer to the ideas, opinions, or attitudes that a person already holds before encountering new information. These beliefs can strongly influence how individuals interpret and respond to new evidence.
Related terms
Confirmation bias: Confirmation bias is a cognitive tendency where individuals selectively search for or interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs.
Cognitive dissonance: Cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort experienced when individuals hold conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes. It often leads people to seek consistency by rejecting contradictory evidence.
Belief perseverance: Belief perseverance occurs when individuals continue to hold onto their pre-existing beliefs even after being presented with evidence that contradicts those beliefs.