What is confirmation bias in the context of information gathering?

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This cognitive bias leads individuals to favor information that aligns with their views while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts them.

The choice reflecting confirmation bias accurately describes the habit of selectively seeking information that aligns with what one already believes, thereby reinforcing those beliefs rather than challenging them. This behavior can significantly impact how people gather information and make decisions, often resulting in a skewed understanding of reality.

In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate the concept of confirmation bias adequately. Accepting information without question implies a lack of critical thinking rather than an active search for pro-confirmative data. Ignoring evidence that contradicts beliefs directly relates to confirmation bias, but it does not emphasize the aspect of actively seeking supportive information. Only listening to expert opinions may involve some level of bias but does not specifically highlight the selective nature of information gathering typical of confirmation bias.