Confirmationist

A confirmationist is an individual who actively seeks and favors evidence that supports their existing beliefs, theories, or hypotheses while often disregarding or downplaying evidence that contradicts them. This selective processing of information can lead to a skewed understanding of reality and reinforce pre-existing biases. Confirmationists prioritize validation over comprehensive analysis, tending to interpret ambiguous information in a way that aligns with their pre-held convictions, leading to potentially flawed conclusions or resistance to change. They actively filter information through a lens that confirms their original viewpoint.

Confirmationist meaning with examples

• The climate change confirmationist primarily consumes news sources and scientific papers that align with their skepticism of human-caused climate change. They selectively highlight data that suggests natural variability while dismissing evidence of significant human impact, reinforcing their belief and ignoring potential counterarguments. They create a 'filter bubble' of information that rarely challenges their pre-existing views.
• A political confirmationist might share news articles and social media posts that reinforce their support for a particular candidate or party while ignoring or criticizing information that presents opposing viewpoints. They interpret the candidate’s actions and statements through a positive lens, easily rationalizing flaws while readily attacking those of the opposing party. Their views are rarely questioned.
• The stock market confirmationist may focus solely on positive news about a particular stock they own, ignoring warnings or negative financial reports that could signal a potential downturn. They interpret any positive development as a validation of their investment decision and a sign of future success, while they may dismiss bad news. They struggle to cut their losses when their stock does poorly.
• During a scientific debate, a confirmationist might fixate on research findings that bolster their preferred theory, disregarding contradictory data or alternative explanations proposed by other scientists. This approach hampers the progress of scientific understanding, potentially perpetuating inaccuracies and discouraging objective experimentation. The argument, for them, is already won.
• In a relationship, a confirmationist might selectively recall past interactions and behaviors of their partner to support their preconceived notion of that person's character. If they believe their partner is untrustworthy, they will tend to notice and exaggerate behaviors that seem to validate their distrust while minimizing or overlooking behaviors that demonstrate trustworthiness. This approach can be damaging to the relationship.