Explain what confirmation bias is, why it is important for researchers to be aware of it, and how its effects can be minimized.

 

Answer:

1. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values. This gives us impact on how we gather information, but it gives influence us on how we interpret and recall information. Example, If we support or even oppose a particular idea or issue we will not just look for information to support it but we will interpret it the way that upholds our own existing idea.
2. It is important for researchers to be aware of this confirmation bias because this may lead people to hold strongly to false beliefs. These factors may lead to risky decision making and lead people to overlook warning signs and other more important information.
3. Confirmation biases can be minimized or can be avoided by:

• look for some ways to challenge on what you think you see
• seek out information for legitimate sources
• consider situations from multiple perspectives
• discuss your thoughts with others as well
• search for potential and relevant or new dis-confirming evidence