|
Now, you can buy | |
|
Add/share/save | |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
Disconfirmation bias
Explanations > Theories > Disconfirmation bias
Description | Research | Example | So What? | See also | References
Description
When people are faced with evidence for and against their beliefs, they will be more likely to accept the evidence that supports their beliefs with little scrutiny yet criticize and reject that which disconfirms their beliefs.
Generally, we will avoid or discount evidence that might show us to be wrong.
Research
Lord, Ross and Lepper had 24 each of pro- and anti-death penalty students evaluate faked studies on capital punishment, some of which supported the death penalty and some which did not. Students concluded that the studies that supported their views were superior to those that did not.
Example
I am a scientist who is invited to investigate a haunted house. I rubbish the idea and decline the invitation. When given a paper which supports my pet theories, however, I laud the fine research with little questioning as to the methods used.
So What?
Using it
When you want to change beliefs, you may need to give significant evidence to overcome the disconfirmation bias.
Defending
Try to be open when faced with evidence and viewpoints, even if it is contrary to what you know to be true.
See also
Confirmation Bias, Hostile Media Phenomenon, Cognitive Dissonance, Beliefs
References
Edwards and Smith (1996), Lord, Ross, and Lepper (1979)
|
|