What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias refers to the cognitive tendency where individuals favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts them. This cognitive bias can lead to poor decision-making since it limits one's ability to consider a broader range of evidence and perspectives.

For instance, when a person strongly believes in a particular political view, they might only seek out news sources that align with that view and overlook articles or studies that offer opposing viewpoints. This selective attention reinforces their existing beliefs and can lead to echo chambers, where individuals are only exposed to information that ensures their perspective remains unchallenged.

Understanding confirmation bias is crucial in various fields, including psychology, science, and everyday decision-making, as it underscores the importance of questioning one's assumptions and being open to new information. This highlights why the correct choice accurately defines confirmation bias in the context of cognitive processes.