Bestätigungstendenz

Bestätigungstendenz, also known as confirmation bias, is a cognitive bias that describes the human tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can lead individuals to ignore or downplay evidence that contradicts their views, even when such evidence is compelling.

The confirmation bias operates often unconsciously and can affect various aspects of life, from personal opinions and decisions to scientific research and legal proceedings. For instance, someone who believes in a particular political ideology might primarily consume news sources that align with their views, while dismissing information from opposing outlets as biased or inaccurate. Similarly, in scientific inquiry, researchers might unconsciously design experiments or interpret data in a manner that supports their initial hypotheses.

This tendency can manifest in several ways. Selective exposure involves seeking out information that confirms one's beliefs. Selective interpretation means understanding ambiguous information in a way that supports one's beliefs. Selective recall involves remembering information that confirms one's beliefs more readily than information that contradicts them.

While confirmation bias is a pervasive human tendency, awareness of it is the first step toward mitigating its influence. Critical thinking skills, actively seeking out diverse perspectives, and a willingness to reconsider one's own beliefs in light of new evidence are crucial for counteracting this bias.