What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to favor information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or minimizing information that contradicts them. This cognitive bias leads individuals to seek out and emphasize evidence that aligns with their worldview, which can reinforce existing beliefs and hinder critical thinking.

When individuals selectively look for information that supports a hypothesis, they may engage in behaviors such as prioritizing certain sources of information over others, interpreting ambiguous evidence in a way that supports their views, and overlooking alternative explanations. This process often results in a skewed perception of reality, as it limits exposure to divergent opinions or facts that could lead to a more balanced understanding.

For example, someone who believes in a particular health supplement might actively search for positive testimonials and studies while ignoring research that indicates potential risks or ineffectiveness. This selective attention reinforces their belief in the supplement, illustrating how confirmation bias operates in real-world scenarios. Understanding confirmation bias is crucial in cognitive psychology as it highlights the ways our cognition can be influenced by our preferences and existing knowledge.