A quick search on Google Scholar returns this article as one of the top hits.
Numerous authors (e.g., Popper, 1959) argue that scientists should try to fulzih) rather than confirm theories. However, recent empirical work (Wason and Johnson- Laird, 1972) suggests the existence of a confirmation bias, at least on abstract problems. Using a more realistic, computer controlled environment modeled after a real research setting, subjects in this study first formulated hypotheses about the laws governing events occurring in the environment.
The citation is to
WASON, P.C. and JOHNSON-LAIRD. P.N . (1972). Psychology of Reasoning: Structure and Content. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Google doesn't find "confirmation bias" in that book. (It does find "confirmation" and "bias"---the latter appearing at least twice in the phrase "bias towards verification". The "verification" terminology suggests Popper's verification|falsification dichotomy, which at least according to Johnson-Laird was the inspiration for Wason's 2-4-6 task.)
(Also, how did you get an OCR error in your quote there?)
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post, even in Discussion, it goes here.