Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms preconceptions or existing beliefs. It can lead to the reinforcement of false or misguided beliefs and hinder critical thinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports one's preconception or existing beliefs. It refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out and pay more attention to information that aligns with their preconceived notions while disregarding or downplaying information that challenges those beliefs.
For example, if a person believes that vaccines are harmful, they may actively search for information that supports this belief and ignore or dismiss evidence that proves the safety and efficacy of vaccines. This bias can lead to the reinforcement of false or misguided beliefs, and can hinder the process of critical thinking and objective evaluation of information.
Confirmation bias is an important concept in psychology and can have significant impacts on decision-making, perception, and social interactions.