Neutral-evidence principle

Neutral evidence should not strengthen belief. Such evidence being equally consistent with as well as the opposite of a belief. This might consist of mixed evidence, that is, some evidence in favour of and equal evidence against the belief. There is a tendency for people to interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting favoured beliefs.

(see also: Confirmation bias, Subjective Validation, Belief perseverance, Selective exposure, Diagnosticity)

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