Probability and Statistical Biases

Reporting bias

Only some outcomes or facts are reported.

What Is Reporting bias?

Reporting bias is a thinking trap where only some outcomes or facts are reported.

How It Tricks You

It can make noisy, incomplete, or poorly framed data feel more meaningful than it is.

Real-World Example

A company highlights favorable survey results and leaves out weak ones.

Seen Online As

• The fast interpretation is doing more work than the evidence.
• The claim feels obvious before the check question is asked.
• A shortcut is making the judgment feel more certain than it is.

What To Ask Instead

What is missing from the report?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps Online
• Thinking Traps with AI Prompts

Quick FAQ

What is Reporting bias?

Only some outcomes or facts are reported.

What is an example of Reporting bias?

A company highlights favorable survey results and leaves out weak ones.

How do I spot Reporting bias?

What is missing from the report?