Theories about belief

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Here are academic theories about how and what we believe.

• Automatic Believing: we initially believe everything; then we think.
• Belief Bias: We accept things that fit into our belief systems.
• Belief Perseverance: once formed, a belief will persist.
• Conversion: beliefs can change suddenly when we see the light.
• Disconfirmation bias: Agreeing with what supports beliefs and vice versa.
• Fowler's Faith Stage Theory: stages of different levels of religious belief.
• Just-world phenomenon: Good and bad will be rewarded and punished.
• Polarization: Taking increasingly extreme views.
• Schema: we believe our internal models are accurate.
• Selective Perception: we see things through beliefs, not as they really are.
• Source Credibility: Who we are likely to believe.