I need some help with this assignment. I really don't understand this class. Can someone please help me understand it better...thanks!
Discuss how confirmation bias can influence perceptions and how some beliefs can actually generate their own confirmation in 200 to 300 words. Provide relevant examples to support your explanation.
How do your text materials define "confirmation bias?" How do they explain how beliefs generate their own confirmation? After you recheck you text and our previous answers, please repost with your thoughts.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1297981196
There is no text for this assignment. That's why I am stumped.
The text is the week 2 reading 4 material.
Google concepts of "halo effect" and "self-fulfilling prophecy."
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that occurs when individuals seek and interpret information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. It is a tendency to selectively pay attention to information that supports one's preconceived notions, while dismissing or ignoring contradicting evidence. This bias can have a significant impact on perceptions, as it can shape and reinforce existing beliefs and prevent individuals from considering alternative viewpoints.
One way in which confirmation bias influences perceptions is through the selective exposure to information. When people are presented with information that aligns with their existing beliefs, they are more likely to accept it uncritically. For example, imagine a person who strongly believes that vaccines are harmful. They might actively seek out and engage with articles, websites, and social media posts that reinforce this belief, while disregarding or dismissing reputable scientific studies demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. This selective exposure further solidifies their belief, making it difficult for them to consider alternative perspectives.
Confirmation bias can also generate its own confirmation through biased interpretation of evidence. When individuals encounter ambiguous or inconclusive information, they have a tendency to interpret it in a way that supports their existing beliefs. For instance, consider a person who believes in astrology. They might interpret vague horoscope predictions in a way that is consistent with their own experiences, while disregarding discrepancies or alternative explanations. This biased interpretation reinforces their belief in astrology, as the perceived accuracy of the predictions confirms their preexisting beliefs.
Another way in which confirmation bias can generate its own confirmation is by influencing memory. People are more likely to remember information that confirms their beliefs, while forgetting or distorting information that contradicts them. For example, someone who firmly believes in a particular political ideology may selectively remember instances where politicians from the opposing ideology made mistakes or behaved dishonestly, while ignoring similar instances involving politicians from their own preferred ideology. This selective memory strengthens their conviction and further perpetuates confirmation bias.
In conclusion, confirmation bias can significantly influence perceptions by shaping and reinforcing existing beliefs. It can lead individuals to seek out information that supports their preexisting notions, interpret evidence in a biased manner, and selectively remember information that confirms their beliefs. It is important to be aware of confirmation bias and actively seek alternative viewpoints and diverse sources of information to avoid falling into its trap.