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Mar 3, 2019 · Ever wonder how some people always seem to beat the odds? It's not just luck. Anyone can learn how to turn possibility into probability.
- Examples
- When Does The Confirmation Bias occur?
- Implications
- Mitigating Confirmation Bias
- Related Cognitive Biases
- Learning Check
- References
Social Media
Information we are presented on social media is not only reflective of what the users want to see but also of the designers’ beliefs and values. Today, people are exposed to an overwhelming number of news sources, each varying in their credibility. To form conclusions, people tend to read the news that aligns with their perspectives. For instance, new channels provide information (even the same news) differently from each other on complex issues (i.e., racism, political parties, etc.), with s...
Religious Faith
People also tend to search for and interpret evidence with respect to their religious beliefs (if any). For instance, on the topics of abortion and transgender rights, people whose religions are against such things will interpret this information differently than others and will look for evidence to validate what they believe. Similarly, those who religiously reject the theory of evolution will either gather information disproving evolution or hold no official stance on the topic. Also, irrel...
There are several explanations why humans possess confirmation bias, including this tendency being an efficient way to process information, protect self-esteem, and minimize cognitive dissonance.
Confirmation bias consistently shapes the way we look for and interpret information that influences our decisions in this society, ranging from homes to global platforms. This bias prevents people from gathering information objectively.
Change in intrapersonal thought:
To avoid being susceptible to confirmation bias, start questioning your research methods, and sources used to obtain their information. Expanding the types of sources used in searching for information could provide different aspects of a particular topic and offer levels of credibility. 1. Read entire articles rather than forming conclusions based on the headlines and pictures. – Search for credible evidence presented in the article. 2. Analyze if the statements being asserted are backed up b...
Alternative hypothesis:
Confirmation bias occurs when people tend to look for information that confirms their beliefs/hypotheses, but this bias can be reduced by taking into alternative hypotheses and their consequences. Considering the possibility of beliefs/hypotheses other than one’s own could help you gather information in a more dynamic manner (rather than a one-sided way).
Backfire Effect
The backfire effect occurs when people’s preexisting beliefs strengthen when challenged by contradictory evidence (Silverman, 2011). 1. Therefore, disproving a misconception can actually strengthen a person’s belief in that misconception. One piece of disconfirming evidence does not change people’s views, but a constant flow of credible refutations could correct misinformation/misconceptions. This effect is considered a subtype of confirmation bias because it explains people’s reactions to ne...
Halo Effect
The halo effectoccurs when people use impressions from a single trait to form conclusions about other unrelated attributes. It is heavily influenced by the first impression. Research on this effect was pioneered by American psychologist Edward Thorndike who, in 1920, described ways officers rated their soldiers on different traits based on first impressions (Neugaard, 2019). Experiments have shown that when positive attributes are presented first, a person is judged more favorably than when n...
When an individual only researches information that is consistent with personal beliefs.When an individual only makes a decision after all perspectives have been evaluated.When an individual becomes more confident in one’s judgments after researching alternative perspectives.When an individual believes that the odds of an event occurring increase if the event hasn’t occurred recently.Agarwal, P., Dr. (2018, October 19). Here Is How Bias Can Affect Recruitment In Your Organisation.https://www.forbes.com/sites/pragyaagarwaleurope/2018/10/19/how-can-bias-during-interviewsaffect-recruitment-in-your-organisation American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/confirmation-bias Bar...
Dec 27, 2023 · What is Goal Setting? A Psychological Definition. Goal setting in psychology refers to a successful plan of action that we set for ourselves. It guides us to choose the right moves, at the right time, and in the right way.
Dec 14, 2023 · The phenomenon is also called "the illusion of invulnerability," "unrealistic optimism," and a "personal fable." This bias leads us to believe that we are less likely to suffer misfortune and more likely to attain success than reality would suggest.
Apr 3, 2024 · This article will explore what confirmation bias is, how it impacts our thinking, and provide real-life examples of its effects. From political beliefs to superstitions, we will examine how confirmation bias can influence our perceptions.
Jul 10, 2023 · The availability heuristic is a cognitive bias in which you make a decision based on an example, information, or recent experience that is that readily available to you, even though it may not be the best example to inform your decision.
Jun 7, 2019 · From the decisions we make each moment of the day, to the people we interact with, understanding human behavior is at the heart of psychology. Look around your world and you’ll find plenty of everyday examples of psychology in action. Read on to discover how psychology plays a major role in five areas of everyday life. Request info.
