📄 28 — Confirmation Bias

Definition

The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms existing beliefs.

When to Use

• Research • Analysis • Debates • Diagnostics • Hiring decisions

How It Improves Reasoning

It forces you to consider disconfirming evidence and alternative explanations.

Steps

  1. Identify your current belief.
  2. Seek disconfirming evidence.
  3. Evaluate both sides objectively.
  4. Update your belief if needed.

Example

A manager only noticing data that supports their preferred strategy.

Prompts

• “Identify confirmation bias in this argument.” • “Provide disconfirming evidence.”