MCAT® ExamCritical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsHard
A group of scientists is reviewing a grant proposal for a controversial new research project. One senior scientist, known for their strong opposition to the methodology proposed, consistently finds flaws and raises objections, even to aspects that other reviewers deem standard or acceptable. Conversely, they are quick to praise proposals that align with their preferred research paradigms. This behavior is most indicative of:
- ABelief perseverance
- BIn-group bias
- CHostile attribution bias
- DConfirmation bias
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Confirmation bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. The senior scientist is actively seeking flaws in a proposal they oppose and praising those that align with their views, which directly reflects this bias.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Belief perseverance is maintaining a belief despite contradictory evidence, but the scenario describes active interpretation and searching for information, not just passive persistence.
- B. In-group bias involves favoring members of one's own social group, which is not the primary driver of the scientist's evaluation of methodology.
- C. Hostile attribution bias involves interpreting others' ambiguous actions as hostile, which is not the core of the scientist's critical evaluation of research proposals.
Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.
- Leads to selective attention and interpretation.
- Can make individuals resistant to contradictory evidence.
- Impacts decision-making and critical evaluation.
Memory trick: Confirm What You Believe, And Others Deceive.