Question

Hannah knows her patient has muscle pain and suspects a strained muscle. She then asks the patient only about symptoms associated with a strained muscle and not about symptoms associated with other conditions involving muscle pain. Hannah is exhibiting confirmation bias.

a) Confirmation bias
b) Anchoring bias
c) Hindsight bias
d) Availability bias

Answer 1

Hannah is exhibiting confirmation bias by only asking the patient about symptoms associated with a strained muscle and not considering symptoms associated with other conditions involving muscle pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hannah is exhibiting confirmation bias by only asking the patient about symptoms associated with a strained muscle and not considering symptoms associated with other conditions involving muscle pain. Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs. In this case, Hannah's belief that the patient has a strained muscle is influencing her questioning and potentially leading her to overlook other possible causes of the muscle pain.

For example, symptoms associated with other conditions involving muscle pain, such as tendinitis or musculoskeletal disorders, may include different types of pain, inflammation, or restricted range of motion. By only focusing on symptoms associated with a strained muscle, Hannah may miss important clues that could lead to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

By being aware of confirmation bias, healthcare professionals can strive to maintain objectivity and consider a broad range of possibilities when assessing and diagnosing patients.