preconception

[ pree-kuh n-sep-shuh n ]

/ ˌpri kənˈsɛp ʃən /

a conception or opinion formed beforehand.

bias.

Origin of preconception

First recorded in 1615–25; pre- + conception

pre·con·cep·tion·al, adjective

Even then, it will be important not to read documents and testimony with a preconception of "obvious" intent.

Between Two Catastrophes: Look at Syria, and Question Everyone's Stories about 1948 |Gershom Gorenberg |September 23, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Now, in that preconception lies the capital blunder incident to the question.

The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. II (2 vols) |Thomas De Quincey
These illusions frequently involve the co-operation of some preconception or expectation.

Illusions |James Sully
That is, they approach the Bible without any preconception whatsoever.

New Witnesses for God (Volume 2 of 3) |B. H. Roberts

The prevailing conception, however, has been adopted without examination; it is a preconception.

Essays in Experimental Logic |John Dewey
The experiences gained by the Americans in the Civil War helped to confirm this preconception.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 |Various

preconception

/ (ˌpriːkənˈsɛpʃən) /

an idea or opinion formed beforehand

a bias; prejudice