In a world awash in data, you’d think it would be relatively easy to make informed, objective decisions. But there’s a problem that gets in your way, even with all of this information at your fingertips: You see what you want to see.
On this episode of Choiceology with Dan Heath, we look at the tendency to favor information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.
The episode begins in Europe in the 16th century, with a secret debate about sainthood, and then moves to a harrowing story of crime and punishment in contemporary America.
Neuroscientist Tali Sharot explains the biological roots of this bias, and how it is actually a fundamentally useful mental shortcut. Her book is called The Influential Mind.
Dean Gillispie is now listed with the National Registry of Exonerations.
Mark Godsey’s book on his experience advocating for Dean Gillispie is called Blind Injustice.
You can find out how to fight back against the influence of this bias in your financial decisions in a bonus article on Schwab.com.
Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/podcast.
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