Which type of bias may cause individuals to ignore data that does not align with their expectations?

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or expectations. This cognitive bias leads people to give disproportionately more weight to data that supports their viewpoints while disregarding evidence that contradicts them.

In organizational behavior and decision-making contexts, confirmation bias can significantly impact how leaders and team members analyze information, make decisions, and develop strategies. For instance, if a manager believes that a new project will be successful, they might focus on positive feedback and success stories related to the project while underemphasizing or rationalizing any negative feedback or data that suggests potential difficulties.

By recognizing confirmation bias, individuals and teams can foster a more balanced approach to data analysis, encouraging a thorough examination of all relevant information rather than forming conclusions based solely on what aligns with their expectations. This awareness can lead to more informed decision-making processes and better overall outcomes.