What does confirmation bias refer to?

Confirmation bias refers to the cognitive tendency for individuals to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This means that when people have a particular stance or belief about an issue, they are more likely to actively seek out evidence that supports that belief while dismissing or minimizing the importance of evidence that contradicts it.

In practice, this can manifest in various ways, such as focusing on news stories or research that aligns with one's existing viewpoints, or interpreting ambiguous evidence in a way that supports those beliefs. This can lead to a reinforcement of misconceptions and can significantly impact decision-making, as individuals may become entrenched in their views without adequately considering alternative perspectives or new information that may challenge their beliefs.