Disconfirmation Bias: Definition, Examples and Effects

Disconfirmation bias is a cognitive bias that occurs when people seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. This bias can lead to a distorted view of reality and can have a significant impact on decision-making. In this blog post, we’ll explore the definition, examples, and effects of disconfirmation bias.

Definition:

Disconfirmation bias is a cognitive bias that occurs when people seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. This bias is often seen in people who are trying to prove a point or defend a position. It can lead to a distorted view of reality and can have a significant impact on decision-making.

Examples:

One example of disconfirmation bias is when someone is trying to prove that a certain political party is wrong. They may search for articles and news stories that support their point of view and ignore any evidence that contradicts it. Another example is when someone is trying to prove that a certain product is the best. They may search for reviews and testimonials that support their opinion and ignore any negative reviews.

Effects:

The effects of disconfirmation bias can be far-reaching. It can lead to a distorted view of reality and can have a significant impact on decision-making. People who are biased in this way may make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information, which can lead to poor outcomes. Additionally, disconfirmation bias can lead to a lack of objectivity and can prevent people from considering alternative points of view.

Do you want to expand your knowledge on this topic? Read our full in-depth article on cognitive biases.

Do you have extra 15 minutes today? Takeour fun and interactive quiz to learn which of 16 reasoning styles you use, your overall level of rationality, and what you can do now to improve your rationality skills.