Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek information that supports existing beliefs, while the backfire effect is the resistance to changing beliefs despite contradictory evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that involves seeking information that supports one's preexisting beliefs. For example, if you believe your professor is not nice, you may notice instances of rude behavior while ignoring the pleasant interactions. The backfire effect is the tendency to resist changing beliefs, even when confronted with contradictory evidence. This can lead to polarization and the reinforcement of false or harmful beliefs.