Define "confirmation bias."

Confirmation bias refers to the cognitive phenomenon in which individuals preferentially seek out, interpret, and remember information that aligns with their existing beliefs or preconceptions. This can manifest in various ways, such as favoring evidence that supports one's viewpoints while disregarding or undervaluing evidence that contradicts them.

The essence of confirmation bias lies in its influence on how people process information. For instance, when faced with ambiguous data, a person with a preconceived notion about a subject will often interpret that data in a way that supports their beliefs. This selective exposure not only limits the scope of information one considers but can also lead to an entrenchment of false beliefs even in the face of overwhelming conflicting evidence.

Understanding confirmation bias is crucial for recognizing how it can shape decisions and opinions, making it challenging for individuals to embrace new ideas or change established viewpoints. This bias plays a significant role in various domains, including social interactions, scientific research, and media consumption, thereby shaping overall decision-making processes.