People tend to interpret new information in a way that will support what they already believe. This is called __.
A) selective retention
B) selective distortion
C) cognitive dissonance
D) selective attention
E) cognitive bias
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is B) selective distortion.
Explanation:
Selective distortion refers to the tendency of people to interpret new information in a way that supports their pre-existing beliefs, values, or attitudes. This concept is rooted in the idea that individuals are often not entirely objective or neutral when processing information. Instead, they filter and interpret new data through the lens of their biases or prior experiences.
When people encounter information that aligns with their current beliefs, they tend to accept it more readily. On the other hand, when information contradicts their beliefs, they are more likely to reinterpret or distort it to make it more consistent with their existing views. This cognitive bias can occur consciously or unconsciously.
Selective distortion plays a significant role in shaping how people understand and make sense of the world. For example, when presented with scientific evidence that contradicts their personal views, such as on climate change or vaccination, individuals may downplay the evidence or find ways to question its credibility, even if the evidence is strong. This phenomenon can lead to the reinforcement of incorrect or unfounded beliefs, as individuals continuously seek information that confirms their preconceptions while disregarding contradictory data.
This concept is related to other cognitive biases, such as selective retention, which refers to remembering information that supports one’s beliefs while forgetting contradictory information, and selective attention, where individuals focus on information that is consistent with their attitudes and ignore information that is inconsistent. While all of these concepts involve a filtering process, selective distortion specifically focuses on the interpretation of new information.
In summary, selective distortion can lead to distorted perceptions of reality and hinder critical thinking. It is essential for individuals to be aware of this bias in order to engage with information more objectively and make better-informed decisions.