Which concept describes the tendency to favor information that confirms preconceptions?

Which concept describes the tendency to favor information that confirms preconceptions?

• A. Wason
• B. Convergence
• C. Web 2.0
• D. Confirmation bias

Answer: (D)

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms preconceptions and to overlook or dismiss evidence that contradicts them. This means people actively seek out or give more weight to data that matches what they already believe, interpret ambiguous information in a way that supports their views, and resist updating their beliefs even when faced with new or opposing evidence. In media and everyday thinking, this can lead to echo chambers: you notice and trust sources that align with your views while discounting those that challenge them. For contrast, the Wason selection task is a logic exercise about testing hypotheses and falsification, not about bias. Convergence is a general term for things coming together or ideas merging, not a cognitive bias. Web 2.0 refers to interactive, user-generated online platforms, not a psychological tendency.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms preconceptions and to overlook or dismiss evidence that contradicts them. This means people actively seek out or give more weight to data that matches what they already believe, interpret ambiguous information in a way that supports their views, and resist updating their beliefs even when faced with new or opposing evidence. In media and everyday thinking, this can lead to echo chambers: you notice and trust sources that align with your views while discounting those that challenge them.

For contrast, the Wason selection task is a logic exercise about testing hypotheses and falsification, not about bias. Convergence is a general term for things coming together or ideas merging, not a cognitive bias. Web 2.0 refers to interactive, user-generated online platforms, not a psychological tendency.