Assimilation Effect

The Assimilation Effect refers to the tendency for individuals to interpret new information or stimuli in a way that aligns with their existing beliefs, attitudes, or expectations. Essentially, when encountering something new, people often adjust their perception to fit what they already think or know, making the new information seem more consistent with their prior views. This cognitive bias helps maintain mental consistency, but it can also lead to overlooking conflicting evidence or reinforcing misconceptions. In summary, the Assimilation Effect explains how our existing opinions influence how we perceive and interpret new information.