In what way does bias affect critical thinking?

Bias affects critical thinking by distorting understanding and reasoning. When individuals hold biases, they often interpret information through a subjective lens, filtering facts and data to fit their preconceived notions or beliefs. This selective perception can lead to skewed interpretations of evidence, where individuals may overlook or dismiss information that contradicts their views. As a result, biases can result in conclusions that lack objectivity and rigor, making it challenging to arrive at sound judgments or decisions based on the evidence presented. By clouding one's ability to assess situations impartially, bias ultimately impairs the critical thinking process, preventing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.