Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and give more weight to information that supports one's preconceptions while disregarding contradictory information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency of people to search for information that supports their preconceptions is called confirmation bias. This cognitive bias involves focusing on information, attributing more weight to evidence that confirms existing beliefs, and often ignoring or undervaluing evidence that contradicts those beliefs.
For instance, if someone holds a particular viewpoint on a social issue, they may give attention only to news articles and opinions that reinforce their position, while dismissing or overlooking data or viewpoints that challenge their view. Confirmation bias has a significant impact on individual perspectives and decision-making processes, making it crucial to recognize and address in order to form a more balanced understanding of the world.