Confirmation bias
We all have it!
It’s when we favour information that confirms any of our pre existing beliefs.
This results in our mind processing information by looking for and interpreting information that is consistent with our beliefs and our values or what we believe is true.
You may have heard it called ‘cherry picking’!
We look for evidence that supports our values or beliefs about a topic and the deeper entrenched our beliefs are the stronger the confirmation bias tends to be.
We look for the evidence that supports our views of other people, other races, religions and ways of life.
We easily take on any new information that will be consistent of our beliefs and we will be skeptical of information that contradicts our beliefs.
We have selective remembering of information to recount stories whilst we forget about the information that may not back up what we would like to remember about an event.
We go as far as seeking information out to show ourselves we are correct and we ignore the conflicting evidence and facts.
Our emotions may swing passionately towards our beliefs and values on one topic of injustice; yet, on a different topic of injustice we may display no emotions or seem unaffected by what we are witnessing. This all comes down to what our values are surrounding that topic and what we are willing to take in that will challenge our underlying beliefs (politics for example!).
We focus on anything that will give kudos to what we need to solidify our values and our beliefs. This helps us with minimising the cognitive dissonances that can results when our mind is overwhelmed with information that it does not want to process.
Confirmation bias can lead to flawed decision making; unethical conclusions; fear of other races and religions; it can solidifying or break friendships; it can support the development of your values, spiritual beliefs or daily habits; it can result in you being passionate about convincing others you are right and they are wrong.
But it is always important to remember, they may be looking at different evidence to you.
Challenging your confirmation bias can actually change the trajectory of your life your friendships and your once deeply held values may become less controlling of your life.
How can we grow in challenging our confirmation bias:
Surround yourself with people who think differently to you.
Be willing to read widely about topics that may be discomforting for you
Watch news channels that are sharing about world news rather than just your local news
Listen to other people’s point of views on topics that you hold firm in your values on
Remember, a person’s humanity is ALWAYS more important than any of your theological beliefs. Listen to their humanity.
If in a team of people at work… give equal voice to people so they can have their points of view heard
Allow someone on the team to play the devil’s advocate so all facts and evidences can be challenged and interpreted differently
Asking questions of team members in a neutral way and not leading questions to get them to answer the way you want them to answer.
Social media can be helpful and harmful …. Remember algorithms will always play towards your confirmation bias
Ask yourself… could there be another interpretation to mine, is there an alternative hypotheses here that I’m not seeing?
Confirmation bias we all have it…. But we all don’t’ challenge it! Allow yourself to be challenged by taking in extra information and facts that may expand who you are.