What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias refers to the cognitive tendency of individuals to favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or interpreting evidence that contradicts them. This bias can lead to a significant misunderstanding of evidence during investigations, as individuals may only focus on data that aligns with their preconceived notions.

In this context, recognizing confirmation bias is crucial for fire investigation technicians, as it underscores the importance of approaching each investigation with an open mind and a commitment to considering all relevant evidence, rather than selectively gathering information that supports a singular hypothesis. By acknowledging this tendency, investigators can strive for a more objective analysis, ensuring they assess all possibilities and potential evidence without personal bias clouding their judgment. This approach is essential in establishing accurate conclusions and providing reliable findings in fire investigations.