What does 'obstinate' refer to in a person's behavior?

The term 'obstinate' is best understood as referring to a person's behavior characterized by a stubborn refusal to change their opinion or attitude, even in the face of reasonable arguments or evidence suggesting that a change would be beneficial. When someone is obstinate, they tend to hold firmly to their beliefs or decisions, often disregarding the input or advice of others. This behavior is marked by inflexibility and a strong resistance to change, which aligns directly with the definition provided in the context of the question.

The other choices suggest behaviors that are contrary to obstinacy, such as adaptability, willingness to listen, and open-mindedness, which demonstrate flexibility and receptiveness to new ideas or perspectives. Thus, they do not capture the essence of 'obstinate' behavior, making the second choice the only fitting description.