What does confirmation bias entail?

Confirmation bias involves the tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This psychological phenomenon leads individuals to favor evidence that supports their views, while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts those beliefs.

When individuals are influenced by confirmation bias, they may selectively gather information or pay more attention to cases that support their perspective, reinforcing their original ideas and making it challenging for them to remain objective. This can be particularly problematic in decision-making processes, critical thinking, and discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, where the need for a balanced understanding of various perspectives is crucial.

The other choices describe behaviors that contrast with confirmation bias. For instance, going against personal beliefs while collecting data signifies openness to new information, while collecting all data comprehensively and evaluating ideas impartially reflect a commitment to objective analysis and consideration of diverse viewpoints. These approaches are essential for fostering an inclusive environment and making informed decisions based on a full range of evidence.