confirmation bias

[ kon-fer-mey-shuhn bahy-uhs ]

noun

, Psychology.

1. bias that results from the tendency to process and analyze information in such a way that it supports one’s preexisting ideas and convictions: Unfortunately, their experimental method was proven invalid due to confirmation bias.

   Confirmation bias is a major issue when we get all our news from social media sites.

   Unfortunately, their experimental method was proven invalid due to confirmation bias.

Word History and Origins

Origin of confirmation bias¹

Coined in 1960 by English psychologist Peter Wason

Example Sentences

He argued in a social media post that Latino politicians were using the term “to appease white rich progressives who think that is the term we use. It is a vicious circle of confirmation bias.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are ripple effects across all the story’s players, touching on many aspects of our justice system, from substandard investigations that seed confirmation bias, to trials driven by political expediency and our need for good stories over the truth.

From Los Angeles Times

Some studies have linked belief in horoscopes and zodiac signs to "confirmation bias", the tendency to believe or remember information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs, and interpret it selectively to support them.

From BBC

Experts also warned against confirmation bias.

From New York Times

The veteran reporter offered an explanation: “confirmation bias.”

From Slate