Confirmation Biases

When approaching a proposition, such as “Eating breakfast improves exam scores.”, someone may think that they will objectively investigate the topic.

However, as they search for evidence, it’s clear to an outsider that they’re selectively attending to pieces that support their preconceptions. They have not accumulated any data to argue for alternative hypotheses whatsoever.

As a result, this type of search may falsely validate their prevailing beliefs, without any intention or awareness of being misleading.

Here, the individual has fallen prey to the confirmation bias—the tendency to seek out or interpret information in a way that confirms an existing belief.

In a different situation, someone else may be particularly motivated to defend an idea—they want their preconceptions to be true. After all, they’ve removed items associated with their previous eating habits and converted to a vegan diet, which, in their mind, will improve their sleep.

Consequently, they may deliberately discount or ignore information that contradicts their preference…interpret a story to reinforce their personal opinion…or even ask questions that prompt specific answers. Yet again, this example describes another victim of the confirmation bias.

To thoroughly test viewpoints, people should explore both sides—evidence for and against their perspectives—before establishing conclusions.