Confirmation bias
/kɑːn.fɚˌmeɪ.ʃən ˈbaɪ.əs/
The tendency to focus on information that supports what we already believe, while ignoring or downplaying evidence that contradicts it. This can affect decision-making and interpretation of data.
For example, say an individual believes that life expectancy is rising steadily. When reviewing data, they focus on studies showing improvements in healthcare, but ignore recent mortality trends suggesting a slowdown. This selective attention reinforces their original belief, even if the full evidence tells a more complex story.
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