What behavior is demonstrated by the players who continued to practice despite being told there would be no football team next year?

The behavior demonstrated by the players who continued to practice even after learning that there would be no football team next year is representative of belief perseverance. This concept refers to the tendency for individuals to cling to their beliefs even in the face of contradictory evidence. In this scenario, the players likely have a strong belief in the value of practice, teamwork, or their own commitment to the sport, which motivates them to continue practicing despite the discouraging news.

This mindset reflects an inner conviction that their efforts will pay off in some way, regardless of the external situation of the team’s cancellation. It highlights how personal beliefs can drive behaviors even when faced with realities that might suggest giving up is a more rational choice.

Other options like motivation, teamwork, and resilience may encapsulate aspects of their behavior but do not capture the specific psychological concept that underlies their persistence in practicing despite the absence of a team. Motivation generally refers to the underlying reasons for an action, while teamwork pertains to collaboration with others, and resilience emphasizes the ability to recover from setbacks rather than the adherence to certain beliefs.