What does 'confirmation bias' refer to in the context of decision-making?

Confirmation bias refers to the unconscious act of favoring information that aligns with one's existing beliefs or opinions while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This cognitive bias can significantly impact decision-making, as individuals may only seek out data that reinforces their views, leading to a skewed understanding of situations and ultimately resulting in less informed decisions.

By relying on supportive information and ignoring opposing evidence, people can reinforce their preconceptions, making it challenging to consider alternative viewpoints or to engage in open-minded reasoning. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in contexts where individuals are presented with complex information, as it allows them to maintain a sense of certainty or validation regarding their beliefs.

Other choices highlight behaviors that do not align with confirmation bias. The concept of actively seeking information that contradicts one's beliefs, considering all viewpoints equally, or deliberately including diverse perspectives represents a more balanced and open-minded approach to decision-making, which is the opposite of what confirmation bias entails.