Glossary
Myside bias
What is myside bias?
Myside bias is the tendency to evaluate evidence, generate arguments, or test hypotheses in ways that favor one’s existing opinions. It overlaps with confirmation bias but specifically emphasizes the person’s own position. It need not involve personal financial gain or conscious dishonesty.
Research evidence
Stanovich, West, and Toplak’s review reported that the amount of myside bias had little relationship with intelligence across the tasks considered. High performance on an intelligence test therefore does not by itself establish impartial reasoning.
Illustrative example
A person might search extensively for objections to a policy they oppose while accepting weak support for a policy they favor. The two positions receive different standards of scrutiny.