Đề thi VSTEP Listening B2 — Confirmation Bias Lecture

Lecturer: Good morning. Today we'll discuss confirmation bias, one of the most important concepts in cognitive psychology. Confirmation bias refers to our tendency to search for and remember information in a way that confirms our existing beliefs. We naturally pay more attention to evidence that supports what we already think, while ignoring evidence that challenges our views. This bias affects many areas of life. In medicine, a doctor might focus on symptoms that fit their initial diagnosis while overlooking others. In journalism, reporters may unintentionally seek out sources that confirm their story angle. Even in everyday conversations, we tend to remember arguments that agreed with our opinions better than those that didn't. So how can we reduce confirmation bias? One effective strategy is to actively seek out opposing viewpoints. Another technique is to ask: 'What would convince me that I'm wrong?' Research shows that simply being aware of this bias doesn't automatically reduce it. However, keeping a decision journal can significantly improve the quality of our thinking. That's all for today. Your reading for next week is Chapter 7 on anchoring bias.