What term describes the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring evidence to the contrary?

The term that describes the tendency to favor information confirming existing beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence is known as confirmation bias. This cognitive phenomenon occurs when individuals search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that reinforces their pre-existing views. For instance, a person who believes in a particular political perspective may only seek news sources that align with that view, overlooking opposing viewpoints or evidence.

Confirmation bias is significant because it can lead to distorted thinking and decision-making, as individuals may not acknowledge the full range of information available to them. Understanding this bias is crucial in various fields, such as psychology, research, and decision-making, as it illustrates how personal beliefs can shape perception and interpretation of reality.

Other options such as illusory correlation, anchoring effect, and cognitive dissonance address different cognitive biases or psychological phenomena that do not specifically relate to the tendency of reinforcing existing beliefs through selective information processing.