Läsningskonsistens

Läsningskonsistens refers to the phenomenon where individuals tend to interpret and recall information in a way that aligns with their existing beliefs, attitudes, or prior knowledge. This cognitive bias means that people are more likely to notice, accept, and remember information that confirms what they already believe to be true, while dismissing or forgetting information that contradicts it. This selective processing of information can occur unconsciously and affects how people understand events, form opinions, and make decisions.

The principle of läsningskonsistens is closely related to confirmation bias, a broader tendency to seek out, interpret, and recall information in a way that supports one's pre-existing hypotheses or beliefs. In reading, this manifests as favoring sources that echo one's viewpoint and interpreting ambiguous passages in a manner that reinforces personal convictions. It can also lead to an overestimation of the validity of one's beliefs because contradictory evidence is less likely to be considered or retained.

Understanding läsningskonsistens is important in fields such as education, media literacy, and psychology. It highlights the challenge of objectively evaluating information and the potential for individuals to remain entrenched in their views, even when presented with opposing evidence. Recognizing this bias can encourage more critical thinking and a more open-minded approach to new information.