What term describes the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs?

The term that describes the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs is confirmation bias. This cognitive bias leads individuals to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts those beliefs.

Confirmation bias is significant in various contexts, including decision-making, scientific research, and personal relationships, as it can affect how individuals process information and make judgments. For instance, if someone believes that a particular health supplement is effective, they might only seek out studies or testimonials that support that notion while ignoring research that indicates otherwise.

Understanding confirmation bias is essential in psychology as it highlights the challenges associated with objectivity and rationality in human thought processes. It can help illuminate why certain beliefs are maintained even in the face of contradictory evidence, which is crucial for professionals when evaluating their own biases or those of their clients.