Which term best describes the tendency to seek out information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs?

• A. Cognitive Dissonance
• B. Negativity Bias
• C. Groupthink
• D. Confirmation Bias

Answer: (D)

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that supports what you already believe and to give less weight to evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This means people actively seek out sources, data, or interpretations that confirm their preexisting views while discounting or ignoring disconfirming information. In real life, a manager who believes a supplier is unreliable might mainly read reports that criticize the supplier and overlook positive feedback, reinforcing the original belief even if the overall evidence is mixed.

This fits the scenario best because the question is about the habit of seeking confirming information rather than about discomfort from conflicting ideas (cognitive dissonance), a bias toward negative information (negativity bias), or the dynamics of group pressure leading to conformity (groupthink). Understanding confirmation bias helps explain why people, including teams, can make biased judgments unless deliberate checks are put in place. To counter it, seek out disconfirming evidence, use structured decision processes, and involve diverse perspectives to balance the information you review.