Watch for
Testing ideas by looking for what confirms rather than what contradicts.
Belief & ConfidenceBias #112
Congruence Bias
We only test our hypotheses by seeking confirming evidence.
The tendency to test hypotheses exclusively by seeking direct positive evidence rather than attempting to falsify them through disconfirming tests.
Why it matters: Related to Wason confirmation bias. A key concept in scientific reasoning and hypothesis testing.
Try this
Design tests that could specifically prove your hypothesis wrong.
Real-world example
To test whether a plant needs more water you only check if the soil feels dry rather than also checking if it could be overwatered.
Key researchers
Jonathan Baron
First described in 1985
Psychological mechanism
Positive test strategy. The brain defaults to asking "is this true?" rather than "could this be false?" because positive tests are easier to construct and interpret.
Seminal research
Jonathan Baron (1985), "Rationality and intelligence."
Related Biases
Debrief
Biases are not character flaws. They are recurring patterns in how minds compress uncertainty, save energy, and narrate reality. Once you recognise the pattern, you can slow the decision down, test the assumption, and make space for a better explanation.
Sources
EducationalAPA Dictionary entry