Confirmation: an error of reasoning.

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John Jackson © UK-Skeptics

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C onfirmation bias is where we look for reasons, or supporting evidence, that matches our belief or thesis whilst disregarding or placing less weight on disconfirming reasons or evidence against it.

As a hypothetical example, let’s look at someone’s belief that hypnotherapy helps people to stop smoking. People do go to hypnotherapists and subsequently give up smoking and there are many people who will anecdotally state that hypnotherapy worked for them. It seems convincing, but is this proof that hypnotherapy really helps people to give up smoking? (more…)