UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias in which individuals focus on evidence that supports their existing views. They may ignore, downplay or reinterpret contrary information. This pattern distorts fair evaluation of arguments and data. Thus the bias described in the stem is called confirmation bias.

Option A:
Option A, anchoring, refers to relying too heavily on an initial piece of information when making judgments. While a cognitive bias, it does not primarily concern seeking confirming evidence. Therefore anchoring is not appropriate here.

Option B:
Option B correctly names confirmation bias as the selective search for and interpretation of evidence that supports prior beliefs. It is a well-known obstacle to objective reasoning. Hence this option fits the description.

Option C:
Option C, availability, involves judging likelihood based on how easily examples come to mind. It depends on memory accessibility rather than desire for confirmation. Thus availability bias is different from the pattern in the question.

Option D:
Option D, recency, is the tendency to give undue weight to recent information. Although related to how evidence is treated, it does not emphasise the confirmation of existing beliefs. Therefore recency bias is not the correct answer.