Which term describes a highly personal and unreasoned distortion of judgment?

The term that best describes a highly personal and unreasoned distortion of judgment is "bias." Bias refers to a tendency to favor a particular perspective or outcome, often arising from personal beliefs, experiences, or emotions rather than objective reasoning. This means that someone's bias can lead them to interpret information in a way that is skewed or unfair.

Understanding bias is crucial in various fields, including criminal investigations, as it can affect decision-making and the interpretation of evidence. Investigators must be aware of their own biases and strive to minimize their influence in order to maintain objectivity and ensure fair treatment of all parties involved. In contrast, prejudice is more specifically associated with preconceived opinions or judgments about individuals or groups, while objective judgment relies on impartiality and facts. Intuition refers to instinctive understanding without the need for conscious reasoning and does not necessarily carry the same connotation of distortion.