The refusal to acknowledge strong evidence against a belief is called what?

The correct choice refers to "inconceivability," which describes a cognitive bias where individuals are unable or unwilling to consider evidence that contradicts their preexisting beliefs. This phenomenon often leads to a stubborn adherence to ideas that may not have a factual basis, simply because accepting the contrary evidence would require a change in perspective or acknowledgment of a mistake.

In contexts where strong evidence challenges a belief, such as in discussions on controversial topics, thinkers may find the evidence inconceivable or difficult to integrate into their worldview. This can stem from a deep-seated commitment to those beliefs or an emotional response to the implications of accepting new information.

The other options relate to different cognitive biases or fallacies. Causal oversimplification involves attributing an outcome to a single cause rather than recognizing the complexity of multiple contributing factors. Tabloid thinking refers to an oversimplified or sensationalized approach to issues, often ignoring important nuances. Conservatism, in a psychological context, refers to a tendency to favor previous beliefs or ideas over new information, which can lead to a reluctance to engage with strong evidence but does not specifically capture the refusal to acknowledge such evidence outright like inconceivability does.