confirmation bias

American  

[kon-fer-mey-shuhn bahy-uhs] / ˌkɒn fərˈmeɪ ʃən ˌbaɪ əs /

noun

Psychology.

1. bias that results from the tendency to process and analyze information in such a way that it supports one’s preexisting ideas and convictions: Unfortunately, their experimental method was proven invalid due to confirmation bias.

   Confirmation bias is a major issue when we get all our news from social media sites.

   Unfortunately, their experimental method was proven invalid due to confirmation bias.

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Etymology

Origin of confirmation bias

Coined in 1960 by English psychologist Peter Wason

Example Sentences

We humans are already prone to confirmation bias: We tend to believe the information and opinions that confirm what we already think, even if we’re wrong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

AI’s sycophancy reinforces human confirmation bias, but users can employ tactics to counteract this tendency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

A preliminary review by the policing watchdog into the force's intelligence gathering found "confirmation bias" influenced the decision to bar supporters of the Israeli football team from attending Villa Park in November.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Thanks to cognitive biases like confirmation bias, they might even appear to work.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2024

I will never be able to prevent my instincts that point me in the direction of zero-sum bias or confirmation bias, but I will say that the awareness of them has been so soothing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024