Agatha Harkness-Smythe is determined to ban guns in the United States. This is a controversial topic and social scientists have debated whether the ownership of guns by citizens increases or decreases crime. Agatha could go to the library and look up studies on the linkage between guns and crime rates. Instead, Agatha just reads the local newspaper and only cuts out articles about robberies in which the "bad guy" used a firearm. Agatha is demonstrating ____________.
A) mental set
B) confirmation bias
C) stereotype threat
D) mindlessness

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Agatha is exhibiting confirmation bias by only seeking out information that confirms her pre-existing belief that guns are linked to crime. She is not open to considering other evidence or viewpoints.

Agatha Harkness-Smythe Is Determined to Ban Guns in the United