Bestätigungsdruck

Bestätigungsdruck, often translated as confirmation bias or confirmatory bias, is a cognitive bias that describes the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can affect how individuals gather and process information, leading them to unconsciously seek out evidence that validates their existing views while ignoring or downplaying evidence that contradicts them.

This phenomenon can manifest in various aspects of life, from personal decision-making and interpersonal relationships to scientific research and legal proceedings. For example, someone who believes a particular political candidate is superior might selectively read news articles that praise that candidate and dismiss those that criticize them. In scientific contexts, researchers may be more inclined to interpret ambiguous data in a way that supports their initial hypothesis, potentially leading to flawed conclusions if not carefully managed.

The effects of Bestätigungsdruck can include the reinforcement of stereotypes, the persistence of misinformation, and the inability to objectively evaluate alternative perspectives. It plays a role in group polarization, where individuals within a group tend to move towards more extreme positions after discussing their views. Recognizing and actively counteracting this bias is considered crucial for critical thinking and objective reasoning. Strategies to mitigate its influence involve actively seeking out dissenting opinions, considering alternative explanations, and engaging in deliberate self-reflection about one's own biases.