Confirmational theory

Confirmational theory suggests that people tend to seek out, interpret, and remember information in ways that reinforce their existing beliefs or hypotheses. Essentially, individuals prefer evidence that confirms what they already think and may overlook or dismiss information that contradicts it. This cognitive bias influences decision-making and judgment, often leading to reinforced opinions or misconceptions over time. Recognizing this tendency is important for promoting critical thinking and open-mindedness, as it highlights the natural human tendency to favor confirming information over challenging ideas.