For example, imagine that Mary believes left-handed people are more creative than right-handed people.
Confirmation biases affect not only how we gather information but also how we interpret and recall it.
They will also remember details in a way that reinforces theseattitudes.
Verywell / Daniel Fishel
In the 1960s,cognitive psychologistPeter Wason conducted several experiments known as Wason’s rule discovery task.
He demonstrated that people tend to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs.
Decision-Making
The confirmation bias can often lead tobad decision-making.
The confirmation bias can significantly impact our lives, both positively and negatively.
Unfortunately, this pop in of bias can prevent us from looking at situations objectively.
It can also influence our decisions and lead to poor or faulty choices.
They will also look for information that casts the opposing candidate in a negative light.
These details and facts might have influenced their decision on which candidate to support.
Combating this natural tendency is difficult.
However, knowing about confirmation bias and accepting its existence can help you recognize it.
Be curious about opposing views and listen to what others have to say and why.
This can help you see issues and beliefs from other perspectives.
American Psychological Association.Confirmation bias.
APA Dictionary of Psychology.
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Allahverdyan AE, Galstyan A.Opinion dynamics with confirmation bias.PLoS One.
2014;9(7):e99557.
2021;12:771948. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771948
Poletiek FH.Hypothesis-Testing Behavior.
Psychology Press, 2013.
