What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that leads individuals to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts them. This behavior can manifest in various contexts, such as in decision-making, problem-solving, and interpreting information. When individuals exhibit confirmation bias, they are essentially seeking out or interpreting information in a way that supports their expectations, rather than remaining open to new evidence that could challenge their views.

This bias can significantly affect critical thinking and rational discourse, as it promotes a one-sided perspective and can lead to distorted perceptions of reality. Understanding confirmation bias is crucial in many fields, including psychology, sociology, and law enforcement, as it can impact the judgments and actions of officers and other professionals. Recognizing the importance of seeking a more balanced view and being open to different evidence is key to mitigating the effects of confirmation bias on decision-making processes.