Choice-supportive Bias (Why do we retrospectively remember our choices as being better than they actually were?)
The Choice-supportive Bias, a brief explanation
What is the Choice-supportive Bias?
The choice-supportive bias is the tendency to retrospectively think back about a decision we have made and value it as a better decision than it actually was.
Examples
After purchasing a car you may notice some problems with the car (e.g., some rust). After a week of using the car you may retrospectively evaluate the purchase of the car as a better choice than you originally did when you notice its good fuel efficiency.
In sports when you have been a fan of a particular sports team for years you tend to discount a losing streak, poor performance or incompetent management. Instead you praise a particular player or admire the historic successes of the team.
The literature
Kafaee, M. (2021). “Choice-supportive bias” in science: explanation and mitigation. Accountability in Research, 28 (8), Doi: 10.1080/08989621.2021.1872377
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