Not to be pedantic, but we use the term "expectation bias" inaccurately in the audiophile world. "Expectation Bias," in the research world refers to the observer-expectancy effect, also known as "experimenter bias," and is a phenomenon in which the expectations of the researcher prejudice the results of the research. Lots of ways that can happen, from the way questions are phrased to the methodology used in the research lab.
It's an understandable mis-use of the term; one that makes a lot of sense. Audiophile discusions refer to the phenomenon of hearing what you expect to hear -- because of look reputation, etc -- as "expectation bias." But that's not really what the term refers to There are a few congnitive biases that apply very well, to ojectivists and subjectivists alike -- in the audiphile world, though...
Confirmation Bias -- unconscious act of referencing only those perspectives that fuel our pre-existing views, while at the same time ignoring or dismissing opinions — no matter how valid — that threaten our world view.
InGroup Bias -- A manifestation of our innate tribalistic tendencies, ingroup bias causes us to overestimate the abilities and value of our immediate group at the expense of people we don't really know.
Post-Purchase Rationalization -- a way of subconsciously justifying our purchases — especially expensive ones. Social psychologists say it stems from the principle of commitment, our psychological desire to stay consistent and avoid a state of cognitive dissonance.
Bandwagon Effect -- The bandwagon effect is what often causes behaviors, social norms, and memes to propagate among groups of individuals — regardless of the evidence or motives in support.
No need to go on, really, because while these phenomenon have been repeatedly observed, extensively studied and are, at this point, well-defined and well-established, none of them apply to us. Its all those other humans that have these weaknesses.
Class dismissed.
Tim
