Confirmation Bias and Cognitive Psychology

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Introduction

Confirmation bias is a common behavioral tendency, which pertains to every person on some level. In its most basic form, it is the habit of overlooking contradictory evidence in favor of the facts that support ones existing viewpoint (CrashCourse, 2014). It transpires unconsciously and requires high emotional awareness or outside observation to be spotted. Cognitive psychology provides the framework of mental processes that allow explaining the concept of confirmation bias and possible mitigation strategies.

Discussion

Human cognition works by adding new information to the already existing schemata. It is most evident in learning  the most accessible concepts to comprehend are the ones that can be associated with the already accumulated knowledge. However, cognitive psychology explains that it is also easier for the brain to ignore information that contradicts initial assumptions. As a result, confirmation bias is formed, leading to false comprehension.

Cognitive psychology studies mental processes, many of which affect intellectual cognition. For instance, emotions and feelings can obscure ones perception by creating an impression that a person is right about a certain concept, while in reality, they are not. As a result, emotion-driven confirmation bias is formed, which further strengthens ones flawed assumptions. This is not limited to knowledge and studies, as people can also neglect contradicting evidence in relationships.

Conclusion

Subsequently, applying cognitive psychology allows for ascertaining the influence of confirmation bias and ways of its mitigation. Unconscious behavior is extremely potent since it can affect a persons thinking without them realizing it for a long time. Confirmation bias is an example of such an influence, which has to be challenged. Addressing the bias requires understanding mental processes, which can only be provided by cognitive psychology.

Reference

CrashCourse. (2014). Cognition  How Your Mind Can Amaze and Betray You: Crash Course Psychology #15 [Video]. YouTube. Web.

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