Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for and interpret information in a way that reinforces one's pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses, often leading to skewed results in research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of bias that exists when a researcher only looks for information that supports his or her point of view is known as confirmation bias. This is a cognitive bias and a common issue in research and information processing. Confirmation bias occurs when individuals search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or theories. It is essential to be aware of confirmation bias as it can influence what information is taken into account and what is disregarded, potentially leading to biased outcomes in studies.
For instance, when encountering a sequence of numbers and trying to determine a rule that applies, a person with confirmation bias may only select examples that support their initial hypothesis, failing to consider other possibilities. This bias affects the objectivity of research and can lead to the false consensus effect, where individuals may overestimate the extent to which others share their beliefs.