EOTO Presentation Response Part 2 (Blog Post #11)

The EOTO  presentation that stood out the most to me was the presentation that covered the concept of confirmation bias. I was struck by how this phenomenon affects all of us in ways we may not even realize. The presentation truly excelled in explaining what confirmation bias is and how it can impact our decision-making and beliefs.

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency we have to seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs and biases. Furthermore, this article  by thedecisionlab.com defines confirmation bias as the concept that “describes our underlying tendency to notice, focus on, and give greater credence to evidence that fits with our existing beliefs”.Essentially, we filter information through a lens that is already colored by our own beliefs, values, and experiences, and we are more likely to accept information that supports those beliefs and dismiss information that contradicts them.

One of the major basic facts about confirmation bias that was emphasized in the presentation is that it is a cognitive bias that affects everyone to some degree. We all have certain beliefs and biases that we hold, and we are more likely to accept information that confirms those beliefs and reject information that challenges them.

Another key point that was made in the presentation is that confirmation bias can lead to serious errors in judgment and decision-making. When we only seek out information that confirms our beliefs, we may miss important facts or perspectives that could lead us to make better decisions. This can be particularly dangerous in fields like science or medicine, where making decisions based on incomplete or biased information can have serious consequences.

The presentation also touched on some of the underlying psychological factors that contribute to confirmation bias. For example, people may be more likely to seek out information that confirms their beliefs because it makes them feel good about themselves and their decisions. Additionally, people may be more likely to dismiss information that contradicts their beliefs because it feels threatening or uncomfortable.

One thing that really stood out to me during the presentation was the idea that confirmation bias can be insidious and difficult to detect. We may not even realize that we are engaging in confirmation bias because it can be so subtle and ingrained in our thinking patterns.

Overall, the presentation on confirmation bias was eye-opening and informative. I learned a lot about this important concept and how it can affect our decision-making and beliefs. The presenter did an excellent job of explaining the basics of confirmation bias and providing examples that helped to illustrate the concept in a clear and concise way.

Moving forward, I will be more mindful of my own biases and be sure to seek out diverse perspectives and information that may challenge my preexisting beliefs. By doing so, I can become a better critical thinker and make more informed decisions.