What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This cognitive bias leads individuals to favor information that reinforces their existing perspectives while potentially disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts those views.

This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as selectively gathering evidence that supports a particular opinion or misremembering facts in a way that aligns with what one already believes. For instance, if someone holds a strong opinion about a political issue, they might focus on news stories that support their viewpoint while ignoring stories that present a different perspective. Confirmation bias can significantly influence decision-making and critical thinking processes, often leading to polarized opinions and resistance to changing one’s mind.

Understanding confirmation bias is crucial in psychology as it underscores why individuals might hold persistent beliefs despite contradictory evidence. This insight can help in fields such as counseling, where recognizing and addressing these biases can facilitate more effective communication and understanding.