# Confirmation bias

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-cog-confirmation-bias/

The role of confirmation bias in decision-making.

## Learning objectives

- The role of confirmation bias in decision-making.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P1 past papers (2019–2025): **Confirmation bias** appears **7 times** in the last 7 years — **3.1%** of all P1 questions (7 of 228).

Most-tested forms: Essay: Discuss (22 marks) (3), SAQ: Describe (9 marks) (3), SAQ: Explain (9 marks) (1).

## Core concept

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, notice and interpret information in ways that confirm what we already believe, while overlooking evidence that would disconfirm it. It shapes reasoning because people test hypotheses by looking for hits rather than for the cases that could prove them wrong. It matters for how beliefs, stereotypes and even scientific claims persist despite contrary evidence.

## Key studies

IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:

**Wason (1968)** — In the four-card selection task, people typically sought confirming cards rather than the card that could falsify the rule. — *A clean demonstration that people seek confirmation rather than falsification.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — broad explanatory reach** — The same tendency accounts for belief persistence, stereotype maintenance and poor hypothesis-testing, and replicates widely.

**Limitation — context and rationality** — In some real-world settings testing for confirmation is efficient rather than irrational, so the 'bias' label can be too strong out of the lab.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> One bias illustrating flawed reasoning; the explanatory model is COG_6. Memory distortion (schema) is a separate sub-area (COG_8).

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** Equating confirmation bias with simply being stubborn or refusing to change your mind.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: It is specifically a bias in how evidence is SOUGHT and interpreted — favouring confirming over disconfirming information — which can happen even in someone trying to be objective.

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From [OwlsPrep](https://www.owlsprep.com) — free study guides for A-Level, IB, AP and IGCSE, written against the official syllabus. Canonical page: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-cog-confirmation-bias/