Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that confirms existing beliefs and ignore contradictory information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency to focus on one particular piece of information when making decisions or problem-solving is known as confirmation bias. This is when someone pays more attention to information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignores or downplays information that contradicts those beliefs. In this scenario, Sam quickly assuming that his classmate bumped into his table on purpose suggests that he is exhibiting confirmation bias. Sam's assumption that his classmate bumped into his table on purpose suggests he may have a tendency to focus on one particular piece of information when making decisions or problem-solving. This behavior can be linked to a cognitive bias where an individual focuses on information that confirms existing beliefs. In Sam's case, if he already has a pessimistic view of his classmate or is quick to assume malintent, he is likely engaging in this bias by interpreting the accidental bump as a deliberate act.