Confirmation Bias
Definition
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.
Analogy
Imagine confirmation bias as being at an all-you-can-eat buffet but only choosing foods that you already know and like. You ignore other options because they don't align with your existing preferences.
Related terms
Selective Perception: The process by which individuals perceive what they want to in media messages while ignoring opposing viewpoints.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory: The theory suggesting we feel discomfort when our thoughts and behaviors don’t align so we try to reduce this discomfort through changing our attitudes or behaviors.
Belief Bias Effect: The tendency to judge the strength of arguments based on the plausibility of their conclusion rather than how strongly they support that conclusion.
"Confirmation Bias" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (20+)
Which of the following best describes the confirmation bias?
Which of the following is an example of confirmation bias in the media?
What does the term "confirmation bias" refer to in psychological studies?
What strategy would best address confirmation bias when evaluating conflicting information about climate change?
What does the confirmation bias impact in problem-solving?
In the context of confirmation bias, which behavior best demonstrates this cognitive shortcut?
How does confirmation bias potentially undermine the ethical practice of psychology?
How does confirmation bias affect decision making?
What is an innovative experiment to test the impact of confirmation bias on problem-solving?
How does the confirmation bias contradict the basic principles of evidence-based problem-solving?
What is confirmation bias?
What is the main concept of confirmation bias?
How might confirmation bias influence a person's interpretation of new information?
Which theory introduced the concept of cognitive dissonance contributing to our understanding of confirmation bias?
What does research on confirmation bias reveal about why conspiracy theories persist despite contradictory evidence?
Which of the following hypothetical research studies utilizes an innovative approach to investigate confirmation bias in decision-making processes?
How does confirmation bias influence person perception within attribution theory?
How does confirmation bias reinforce existing prejudices?
In what way can confirmation bias lead to unethical psychology practice related to prejudice and discrimination?
In regards to cognitive biases such as confirmation bias or stereotyping, how can philosophy's "epistemology" - the study of knowledge - potentially enrich our psychological understanding?
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