Which bias involves seeking out and interpreting information to support one's preconceptions?

Which bias involves seeking out and interpreting information to support one's preconceptions?

• A. Confirmation Bias
• B. Negativity Bias
• C. Temporal Discounting
• D. Omission Bias

Answer: (A)

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs. This explains why someone might actively look for sources that support their view and interpret ambiguous data in a light favorable to what they already think. By prioritizing confirming evidence and downplaying or dismissing contrary information, beliefs become reinforced rather than challenged. Negativity bias would make you focus more on negative information, which isn’t about aligning with preconceptions. Temporal discounting is about preferring immediate rewards over future ones, a decision-making timing issue rather than how you handle evidence. Omission bias involves preferring inaction to action due to perceived harm, not about shaping interpretation to fit beliefs.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs. This explains why someone might actively look for sources that support their view and interpret ambiguous data in a light favorable to what they already think. By prioritizing confirming evidence and downplaying or dismissing contrary information, beliefs become reinforced rather than challenged.

Negativity bias would make you focus more on negative information, which isn’t about aligning with preconceptions. Temporal discounting is about preferring immediate rewards over future ones, a decision-making timing issue rather than how you handle evidence. Omission bias involves preferring inaction to action due to perceived harm, not about shaping interpretation to fit beliefs.