Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can lead to a person making decisions that are not based on actual facts, but rather on their own preconceived notions. It can also lead to a person becoming entrenched in their opinions, and unable to recognize other points of view. Confirmation bias can be seen in a wide range of contexts, from politics and religion to science and medicine. One of the key aspects of confirmation bias is that it can be difficult to recognize when it is happening. People often believe that they are being objective and impartial, when in fact they are selectively seeking out and interpreting information in a way that supports their existing beliefs. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a failure to consider alternative viewpoints. Another important aspect of confirmation bias is that it can have serious consequences. When people make decisions based on biased information, they may be more likely to make mistakes or overlook important information. This can be particularly problematic in fields such as medicine or finance, where decisions can have significant impacts on people's lives. To overcome confirmation bias, it is important to be aware of its existence and to actively seek out information that challenges our existing beliefs. This can be difficult, as it requires us to be open-minded and willing to consider alternative viewpoints. However, by doing so, we can make more informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of biased thinking.
cognitive bias, pre-existing beliefs, decision making, impartial assessment, false assumptions
Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for information that confirms our existing beliefs, while ignoring evidence that contradicts them. It's like if you believe that all cats are nice, you might ignore any evidence that suggests not all cats are nice. People do this all the time, and it can lead to false assumptions and bad decisions.
Confirmation bias, cognitive biases, logical fallacies, bias, prejudice, selective perception.
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias wherein an individual favors information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. It is a phenomenon that is often seen in the context of decision making, when a person seeks out data that confirms their pre-existing theories, rather than seeking out information that may refute them. This bias can lead to a person making decisions that are not based on actual facts, but rather on their own preconceived notions. This can be an issue when making decisions that require an impartial assessment of facts. It can also lead to a person becoming entrenched in their opinions, and unable to recognize other points of view.
Cognitive bias, logical fallacy, belief reinforcement, selective perception.
CITATION : "Jessica Adams. 'Confirmation Bias.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=213584 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
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