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

It’s hard to imagine a scientific question as susceptible to confirmation bias as “Can Dogs Talk?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

The backlash came after a preliminary review by the policing watchdog found "confirmation bias" influenced the decision to bar supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending Villa Park.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

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

But there's a legitimate reason confirmation bias exists, right?

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2024