CONFIRMATION BIAS People favour information that confirms rather than challenges their current beliefs. PETER WASON (1924–2003) Cognitive Psychologist 1960 (Wason): People focus on confirming their initial hypotheses rather than challenging them. 1979 (Lord): People discount evidence that challenges their beliefs regarding capital punishment. MRI scans reveal that areas connected with reasoning are subordinated to those connected with emotion when beliefs are challenged. People are Fragile: Vancouver Pedestrian Awareness campaign Using the confirmation bias to reduce jaywalking in Vancouver.