What is the tendency for researchers to perceive and remember information in a way that aligns with their expectations called?

The tendency for researchers to perceive and remember information in a way that aligns with their expectations is referred to as confirmation bias. This cognitive phenomenon occurs when individuals favor information that confirms their preconceived notions or hypotheses, leading them to overlook or dismiss evidence that contradicts their expectations.

Confirmation bias can significantly impact research outcomes, as it may influence which data is recorded, how findings are interpreted, and which conclusions are drawn. For instance, researchers might selectively highlight results that support their theory while ignoring data that does not fit their expectations. This bias can create a skewed understanding of the research question at hand, ultimately affecting the validity and reliability of the study.

In contrast, observer bias pertains to the influence that a researcher's beliefs or expectations may have on their observations, while the halo effect refers to a cognitive bias whereby the perception of one positive trait leads to an overall positive evaluation. Attribution bias concerns how individuals interpret the behaviors of others, often by attributing their actions to intrinsic factors while overlooking situational influences. These concepts are separate from confirmation bias, which is specifically focused on aligning perceptions and memories with existing expectations.