What term describes the process of favoring information that supports existing beliefs or attitudes?

The term that describes the process of favoring information that supports existing beliefs or attitudes is selective perception. This concept refers to how individuals interpret and prioritize information in a way that aligns with their pre-existing views or motivations. It plays a significant role in how people process experiences and information, often leading to a reinforcement of their beliefs.

Selective perception can influence decision-making and behavior in various contexts, such as marketing and hospitality, where consumers may focus on promotional materials that align with their expectations or preferences, thereby potentially overlooking contradictory information.

While disconfirmation bias involves the tendency to dismiss or undervalue conflicting evidence, and selective attention refers to the process of focusing on certain stimuli while ignoring others, neither term fully embodies the notion of favoring information that reinforces existing beliefs. Cognitive dissonance, on the other hand, occurs when there's a conflict between beliefs and behaviors, prompting individuals to reconcile that disparity rather than favor supportive information.