Define "confirmation bias."

Confirmation bias refers to the inclination to focus on information that supports preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while downplaying or ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This cognitive bias affects how individuals gather, interpret, and remember information. When someone has a strong belief, they unconsciously search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that reinforces that belief, which can lead to skewed perceptions and flawed decision-making.

Understanding confirmation bias is essential in health sciences and other fields because it highlights the importance of critical thinking and openness to new evidence. Awareness of this bias encourages individuals to consider a wider range of information, particularly data that challenges their views, ultimately leading to more informed conclusions and better outcomes in both personal decisions and professional practices.