Which term describes a false belief despite evidence?

Which term describes a false belief despite evidence?

• A. Illusion
• B. Delusion
• C. Hallucination
• D. Paranoia

Answer: (B)

A fixed, false belief that persists despite clear evidence to the contrary is a delusion. It shows a disconnect between belief and reality that remains even when there’s proof against it, and it’s not easily swayed by argument or new information. This is different from misperceptions or sensory experiences. An illusion is misinterpreting a real stimulus—for example, perceiving a rope as a snake in poor light. A hallucination is sensing something—like hearing voices—that isn’t actually present. Paranoia describes a pattern of excessive distrust or belief that others intend harm; it’s about a worldview of danger, which can include delusional thinking but isn’t itself defined as a single fixed false belief.

A fixed, false belief that persists despite clear evidence to the contrary is a delusion. It shows a disconnect between belief and reality that remains even when there’s proof against it, and it’s not easily swayed by argument or new information. This is different from misperceptions or sensory experiences.

An illusion is misinterpreting a real stimulus—for example, perceiving a rope as a snake in poor light. A hallucination is sensing something—like hearing voices—that isn’t actually present. Paranoia describes a pattern of excessive distrust or belief that others intend harm; it’s about a worldview of danger, which can include delusional thinking but isn’t itself defined as a single fixed false belief.