Final answer:
Negative first impressions often become lasting due to confirmation bias, which is the tendency to notice and remember information that supports existing beliefs, while ignoring evidence to the contrary. Option c) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Negative first impressions often become lasting negative impressions due to confirmation bias. This is a cognitive process where individuals focus on information that confirms their existing beliefs. In the context of a negative first impression, once an individual forms an unfavorable view, they are likely to continue to notice and remember information that supports this view, while ignoring contradictory evidence. This could lead to a lasting negative impression as the initial negative perspective is constantly reconfirmed.
For instance, if a student believes a new teacher is strict and unfriendly after a brief initial encounter, they may subsequently pay more attention to instances of the teacher's stern behavior, while overlooking moments when the teacher is kind or relaxed. Confirmation bias not only reinforces existing beliefs but it also makes it difficult to change those beliefs, since the individual is not giving equal weight to all available information.