Editing Confirmation bias (section)

== Definition and context ==
Confirmation bias, previously used as a "catch-all phrase", was refined by English psychologist [[Peter Wason]], as "a preference for information that is consistent with a hypothesis rather than information which opposes it."<ref>{{harvnb|Plous|1993|p=233}}</ref>

Confirmation biases are effects in [[Information processing theory|information processing]]. They differ from what is sometimes called the ''[[Behavioral confirmation|behavioral confirmation effect]]'', commonly known as ''[[self-fulfilling prophecy]]'', in which a person's expectations influence their own behavior, bringing about the expected result.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Darley |first1=John M. |first2=Paget H. |last2=Gross |title=Stereotypes and prejudice: essential readings |editor-first=Charles |editor-last=Stangor |year=2000 |publisher=[[Psychology Press]] |page=212 |chapter=A hypothesis-confirming bias in labelling effects |isbn=978-0-86377-589-5 |oclc=42823720}}</ref>

Some psychologists restrict the term "confirmation bias" to selective collection of evidence that supports what one already believes while ignoring or rejecting evidence that supports a different conclusion. Others apply the term more broadly to the tendency to preserve one's existing beliefs when searching for evidence, interpreting it, or recalling it from memory.<ref name="risen">{{Harvnb|Risen|Gilovich|2007}}</ref>{{Efn|"Assimilation bias" is another term used for biased interpretation of evidence.{{Sfn|Risen|Gilovich|2007|p=113}}}} Confirmation bias is a result of automatic, unintentional strategies rather than deliberate deception.<ref name="oswald82" /><ref name="Hergovich 2010">{{Harvnb|Hergovich|Schott|Burger|2010}}</ref>