6 checked facts

Belief

Everything on this site about belief — each one naming the study behind it.

You filter reality to fit what you already know.
Humans systematically favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.…
You accept generic personality descriptions as uniquely accurate.
In a 1949 study, students completed a personality test and were given a feedback report, which was identical for all p…
You filter out information that challenges your beliefs.
A 1979 study found that when shown opposing studies on capital punishment, people rated evidence confirming their view…
You hold onto opinions even after being disproven.
A 1975 study showed that once an initial belief is formed, it remains influential even after the evidence supporting i…
Your brain ignores facts that contradict your beliefs.
Motivated reasoning and biased assimilation lead people to evaluate contradictory evidence more critically than suppor…
Repetition bypasses our ability to spot lies.
A 2015 study showed that repeating a false statement increases its perceived credibility, even when participants alrea…