Of the following real-world phenomena, the confirmation bias best explains the observation that people
A) do not always make decisions that maximize their monetary outcome.
B) are more likely to purchase meat advertised as 80 percent fat free than 20 percent fat.
C) misjudge homicide as more prevalent in the U.S. than suicide.
D) can cite several reasons for their position on a controversial issue but none for the opposing side.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities. This is best illustrated by option D, where individuals can easily recall reasons supporting their own viewpoint on a controversial issue but struggle to think of any for the opposing side, indicating a bias towards information that confirms their existing beliefs.

Of the Following Real-World Phenomena, the Confirmation Bias Best Explains