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Category: Project

Description: These studies revealed strong evidence that once psychologists form an initial diagnosis, they seek confirming information in an effort to determine if their diagnosis is correct (rather than seeking information to determine if their diagnosis is incorrect). Confirmation bias is a problem because overlooking disconfirming information can lead to misdiagnosis, failure to receive proper treatment, unjust sanctions, and more. Psychologists should take steps to reduce confirmatory bias in their diagnostic reasoning, such as carefully considering and documenting evidence both for and against each element of their decision process.