What cognitive bias is often associated with the tendency to seek out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs?

The correct answer is associated with the concept of confirmation bias, which refers to the cognitive tendency to favor information that supports one's existing beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding information that contradicts those beliefs. This bias leads individuals to seek out or interpret information in a way that reinforces their preconceptions, making them less open to new or conflicting evidence. Such behavior can hinder critical thinking and the ability to engage thoughtfully with different viewpoints.

In contrast, the other biases mentioned are related to different cognitive patterns. Availability bias involves relying on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a specific topic or decision, which can lead to overestimating the importance of information that is easily retrievable. Framing bias occurs when the way information is presented influences an individual's perception or decision-making process. Anchoring bias is the tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered (the "anchor") when making decisions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for developing better critical thinking skills and being aware of how cognitive biases can affect judgment and reasoning.