People’s beliefs are based on past experiences, but not always on facts. Have you ever expected someone to act a certain way based on her previous experience with her and then said, “Uh-huh!” when did you see an example of that behavior? That’s an example of confirmation bias, the human propensity to find ways to maintain an existing hypothesis, and it’s not a good thing. As a homeschool teacher, you need to be aware of your own tendency to present only information that is in accordance with his or her preconceived notions. This is a particular danger when it comes to teaching science.

selective thinking

There are many ways that the confirmation base can negatively affect our thoughts and our lives. Like racial bias toward a particular category of people, confirmation bias toward data can cause you to turn away from particular concepts or freely accept incorrect information. It leads you to seek only information that supports your beliefs and avoid contradictory information because it doesn’t fit your belief system.

We see evidence of this in the news all the time, especially during election season. Those who favor one political favorite over the other will eagerly cling to any favorable information about their chosen candidate while refuting, or even attempting to hide, disparaging facts. You’ll also do the opposite: happily share anything that makes the other guy look bad.

It comes to play in confirming our superstitions, too. Let’s say you believe that walking backwards down the sidewalk at noon on Wednesday brings you good luck. As he does so, he sees a black cat that decides to cross the street instead of crossing his path. Then you see a piece of paper wedged in the crack in the sidewalk and pick it up only to find that it’s actually a hundred dollar bill. Even if you got soaked by a passing truck in a puddle and missed an important appointment because it took you too long to get there, your mind will only focus on the good things that happened because it confirms your belief that walking backwards is positive.

selective teaching

In terms of teaching, confirmation bias can easily creep into any day’s schedule, but especially so during science lessons.

One way this is often evidenced is through the curriculum that homeschool parents choose. If they describe themselves as Christian, they will only choose science textbooks that espouse their creationist views. On the other hand, secular homeschoolers tend to seek scientific resources that focus strictly on facts and often introduce Darwinism and the Big Bang theory to their children.

While there is nothing wrong with either of those views, it could be detrimental to your children to present only those views. Due to confirmation bias, which leads parents to actively seek and teach only scientific facts that support their personal views, many parents deny their children a well-rounded education. This can be especially confusing for children who can easily find different opinions online and through other resources. How will you explain the Big Bang theory to children who have only been taught that God created all things in the universe?

Instead of having to try to explain it, it would be better to present both scientific worldviews and show how both can fit into a Christian creationist worldview. The children are intelligent. They know how to discover and explore the facts that may be eluding them and preventing a real and deep understanding of scientific issues.

There is no need to be afraid of information because it is just that: information. Don’t let your personal confirmation bias prevent your child from receiving a well-rounded education. As a homeschool science teacher, it’s your job to give them all the information they ask for without fear and help them investigate further.