What term describes a pattern of deviation in judgment affecting inferences about people and situations?

The term that describes a pattern of deviation in judgment affecting inferences about people and situations is cognitive bias. Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can influence decisions and judgments. They occur when individuals process information in a way that is not rational, leading to distorted reasoning or perceptions.

Cognitive bias encompasses a wide range of biases, including specific examples like confirmation bias and anchoring bias. Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs. Anchoring bias, on the other hand, involves relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions.

In contrast, cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or values, which is distinct from the concept of cognitive bias. Therefore, cognitive bias is the most accurate term for describing patterns of deviation in judgment impacting perceptions of people and situations.