Do you really know? What is confirmation bias and how does it affect our judgement?
Feb 6, 2025
Have you ever noticed how some people cling to their beliefs in a debate, ignoring solid arguments against them? This intriguing discussion dives into confirmation bias, a cognitive distortion that skews our judgment by favoring information that supports what we already think. It explores how this bias can hinder meaningful conversations and offers practical strategies to recognize and overcome it, enhancing our critical thinking skills. Get ready to question your assumptions and engage more thoughtfully!
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Confirmation Bias in Debates
- People in debates sometimes won't change their minds, even when faced with strong counterarguments.
- This is often due to confirmation bias, where individuals favor information aligning with their existing beliefs.
Confirmation Bias: A Mental Shortcut
- Confirmation bias, identified by Peter C. Wason, is a mental shortcut affecting information evaluation.
- While aiding quick decisions, it can lead to errors by favoring information supporting pre-existing beliefs.
Impact of Confirmation Bias
- Confirmation bias influences how we interpret evidence, particularly with emotionally charged issues or strong beliefs.
- People with confirmation bias try to support their existing views, struggling with objectivity and even appearing in research settings.