Question

Read the example below and answer the question that follows.

Recent scientific research was released about global warming and climate change. Both defendents and opponents of the theory of global warming saw the information as supporting their own beliefs.
Both sides fell victim to __________.
A.availability heuristic
B.loss aversion
C.confirmation bias
D.belief bias

Answer 1

Both sides of the global warming debate, interpreting scientific data to support their pre-existing beliefs, exemplify confirmation bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the example provided, both proponents and opponents of global warming interpret new research as validation of their existing beliefs. This type of cognitive bias is known as confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. It leads individuals to give more weight to evidence that supports their existing beliefs and discount evidence that contradicts them. In the context of the heated debate surrounding climate change, confirmation bias can cause both parties to see the same scientific evidence as supportive of their conflicting positions on warming.