Confirmation Bias
The tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs while giving less attention to information that contradicts them.
Examples
- Someone convinced they have a specific illness searches online for symptoms that match their belief, focusing only on information that confirms their self-diagnosis while ignoring alternative explanations.
- A manager who initially views an employee positively notices and documents their successes while overlooking their mistakes.
- A gambler remembers all the times their lucky ritual preceded a win but forgets the numerous times it was followed by losses.