What is the term for the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs?

The term for the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs is known as confirmation bias. This cognitive bias leads individuals to focus on evidence that supports their existing views while often ignoring or undervaluing information that contradicts those views. This can manifest in various situations, such as when someone selectively looks for news articles, studies, or other forms of information that align with their opinions, thereby reinforcing their beliefs over time.

Confirmation bias plays a significant role in shaping attitudes, beliefs, and decision-making processes, often contributing to polarized viewpoints in discussions and debates. Understanding this bias is crucial in psychology, as it highlights how subjective perceptions can sway individual judgment and reinforce societal divisions.

The other terms mentioned, such as perception bias, observation bias, and dispositional attribution, refer to different psychological phenomena. Perception bias relates to how one's perspective can distort the interpretation of sensory information. Observation bias involves errors that occur when individuals' expectations influence their observations. Dispositional attribution refers to the tendency to explain someone's behavior based on their personality traits rather than situational factors. Each of these concepts deals with biases and attributions but does not specifically address the confirmation of preexisting beliefs like confirmation bias does.