Case Background
Frank, a practicing psychologist, is having an individual therapy session with Eduardo. He is geared to identify and report depression signs in his report to the client’s health insurance company. The insurance company reimburses for the diagnosis of depression, but not a dependent personality disorder. Therefore, Frank asks Eduardo questions that will prove that he is depressed.
Although the client’s answers indicate that he has a dependent personality disorder, Frank is determined to record all information revealing the presence of depression. Frank knows he is bending the psychological therapy style for the better. He believes that achieving financial success will enable him to help many clients in the future. Therefore, bending the style of theory practice is a win for him and future clients.
Description of Sources Relevant to Confirmation Bias Theory
Four sources analyze the theory of confirmation bias through varied situations. According to Cherry (2022), confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that favors information confirming individual beliefs about a subject and rejects data that does not validate such assumptions. Confirmation bias influences how people gather and interpret information.
One sign of confirmation bias is looking for evidence to confirm a preconceived belief while ignoring the rest of the information. A study by Suzuki and Yusuke (2021) characterizes the influence of confirmation bias on web searches. The findings show that people with opposing opinions about an online topic tend to select sources that support their biases. However, those with favorable views tended to choose sources that supported their biases.
Further studies indicate that confirmation bias is also shown in online visual searches. A survey by Rajsic et al. (2015) investigated cognitive bias by examining whether visual selection is prioritized in information searching. The findings reveal that capacity-limited cognitive processes contribute to biased information, indicating confirmation bias. Baumeister and Bushman (2021) also prove confirmation bias by showing people’s tendency to notice information that confirms their beliefs and ignore what disproves them. Individuals characterized by this theory are likely to forget critical information while pursuing what pleases their emotions.
Application of Confirmation Bias to the Case Study
Frank’s action of selecting depression-related information can be characterized as confirmation bias. He is seeking evidence that confirms what he already believes to be true. The case study shows that Frank wants Eduardo to show signs of depression so that he can get health insurance reimbursement. He is ready only to record information related to depression diagnosis and ignore the rest.
Indeed, psychologists formulate questions in a way that reveals signs of depression. For example, instead of asking the client what he feels, he seeks to know whether he feels sad or discouraged. Frank weighs Eduardo’s answers and leans on the minimal information showing possibilities of depression. Eduardo answers most of the questions with a negative response, but Frank uses the lean positive details to confirm his bias. Frank assumes that the client has a history of discouragement and hopelessness and uses these signs to diagnose him with depression.
How the Studies Relate to the Theory
The four research studies have a varied relationship with confirmation bias theory, including its definition, signs and symptoms, and risk factors. The survey by Cherry (2022) provides critical research about the topic, including definitions, characteristics, and types of confirmation bias. It enlightens the reader about the issue and prepares them for when to recognize and overcome confirmation bias. The second source highlights signs and symptoms of the theory in web searches (Suzuki & Yusuke, 2021). The study reveals the tendency for people to rely on stereotypes or personal biases when evaluating online information.
The source by Rajsic et al. (2015) also provides a characteristic of confirmation bias in visual online searches. It reveals the tendency to seek information that confirms individual bias while overlooking that which contradicts it. The research study also exposes the risk of having and lacking cognitive intelligence about a topic. The research by Baumeister and Bushman (2021) supports characteristics similar to those of Rajsic et al. (2015). The source reveals that preconceived biases about an idea significantly influence one’s belief in available information.
Application of Ethical Reasoning
The ethical reasoning in the case study is based on the concept of rationalization. Rationalization involves inventing explanations that hide or deny true motivations, actions, or causes. People often use these excuses as a reason for not living up to their ethical standards.
Further proof is that rationalization is an action that attempts to justify inappropriate behaviors. Frank applies rationalization to explain his need to diagnose Eduardo with depression. He invents explanations that conceal the true motivation behind his actions.
The psychologist says that diagnosing Eduardo with depression will help him gain financial success, helping more future clients. Frank’s true motivation is to secure the insurance health reimbursement without considering his client’s health. He, therefore, hides this motivation by assuring himself that he is doing it for the benefit of future clients. Frank understands that he is bending the therapy style and thus invents an excuse for not acting ethically. He also understands that wrongly diagnosing Eduardo could put his health in danger, hence making up excuses to feel better.
Application of Critical Thinking
The critical thinking concept here is the point of view, which is a way of considering a subject. Point of view refers to the attitude or perspective from which people perceive ideas and things. People’s viewpoints often diverge in different situations due to their varied mindsets. Therefore, while leaning on one’s own point of view, it is also essential to consider other relevant viewpoints.
In this case study, Frank relies on his single point of view. He views Eduardo’s health problems from a depression point of view while ignoring the possible signs of dependent personality disorder. The most effective way to avoid confirmation bias is to remain open-minded to the possibilities of other information. Therefore, individuals must assume different viewpoints to assess knowledge and reach the most credible ideas.
Review of Key Points
Confirmation bias entails favoring information that confirms pre-existing beliefs or preferences. Frank reveals confirmation bias by filtering out information that supports a depression diagnosis while ignoring the rest. He exhibits the characteristic of the theory of looking for evidence that confirms what one already thinks, rather than considering all the available evidence.
Different sources support the social psychological theory by providing more reliable characteristics of confirmation bias. Frank employs the rationalization concept to justify avoiding living up to his ethical standards. He hides his financial motivation with the need to care for more clients in the future. Consequently, his actions are classified as relying on a single point of view. Frank’s decision is biased because he failed to consider other points of view and assess all the client’s information to make a proper diagnosis.
References
Baumeister, R. F., & Bushman, B. J. (2021). Social psychology and human nature (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Cherry, K. (2020). What is the confirmation bias? Verywell Mind. Web.
Rajsic, J., Wilson, D. E., & Pratt, J. (2015). Confirmation bias in visual search. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 41(5), 1353–1364. Web.
Suzuki, M., & Yusuke Y. (2021). Characterizing the influence of confirmation bias on web search behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1-11. Web.