What is expectation bias?

Expectation bias refers to the phenomenon where individuals see or interpret information in a way that aligns with their preconceived notions or desires, rather than objectively assessing the evidence. This can result in a selective perception of reality, where one focuses on information that confirms their beliefs while ignoring information that contradicts them.

In this context, it accurately captures the idea of "seeing what we want to see without evidence." It emphasizes how individuals can be influenced by their expectations or desires, leading to a biased view of information or situations. This is particularly relevant in management and leadership settings, where decision-making can be affected by personal biases, potentially leading to poor outcomes if leaders fail to critically analyze data or viewpoints that challenge their opinions.

The other choices involve concepts related to cognitive biases or perception but do not specifically convey the core of expectation bias, which is primarily tied to the influence of subjective desires on the interpretation of information.