Intermediate · Research
Confirmation bias
Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.
TL;DR. The tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs, potentially influencing data collection and interpretation in ML.
Technical Definition
The tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs, potentially influencing data collection and interpretation in ML.
How it works
Confirmation bias is a cognitive tendency where individuals seek out, interpret, and remember information that supports their pre-existing beliefs. In machine learning, this can lead developers to inadvertently collect or label data in ways that reinforce their hypotheses, consciously or unconsciously. Experimenter's bias is a specific form where training continues until a desired outcome confirming a hypothesis is achieved.
Related Concepts
- Bias (ethics/fairness) — Unfair prejudice or favoritism towards certain groups or things, which can influence data, system design, and user interactions.
- Implicit bias — An unconscious association or assumption that influences perceptions and decisions, potentially affecting data collection and model design.