Which of the following statements best defines confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is best defined as the tendency to seek out and favor information that supports existing beliefs while simultaneously ignoring or undervaluing evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This cognitive bias can manifest in various ways, such as selectively gathering information, interpreting ambiguous evidence as supportive, or recalling past experiences in a way that aligns with current views.

In the context of this question, the option that describes seeking supportive information while ignoring contradictions encapsulates the essence of confirmation bias clearly. This behavior can significantly impact decision-making, reasoning, and judgment in daily life and professional settings, reinforcing existing perceptions even in the face of contradictory evidence.

The other choices do not accurately capture the full scope of confirmation bias. For instance, favoring new information over preconceptions implies an openness to change beliefs based on new evidence, which is contrary to the nature of confirmation bias. Rejecting evidence that confirms beliefs also reflects a misunderstanding of the concept, as confirmation bias typically involves accepting supportive evidence rather than rejecting it. Lastly, evaluating all evidence without bias describes an ideal scenario of rational assessment, which stands in contrast to the selective nature inherent in confirmation bias.