Most people believe that their opinions have been formed over time by careful, rational consideration of facts. In realty, we often base our opinions on our beliefs, not facts. And rather than facts driving beliefs, our beliefs can dictate the facts that we choose to accept. They can cause us to twist facts so they fit better with our preconceived notions. Worst of all, they can lead us to uncritically accept bad information just because it reinforces our beliefs. This reinforcement makes us more confidant we are right, and less likely to listen to any new factual information. That is why it is almost impossible to win an argument even if you are 100% right and your friend is dead wrong.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that when misinformed people were exposed to corrected facts, they rarely changed their minds. In fact they often became even more strongly set in their beliefs. Facts were not curing misinformation. Like an underpowered antibiotic, facts could actually make misinformation stronger. It is absolutely threatening to admit you are wrong! We already have beliefs and a “set of facts” lodged in our mind. The problem is that sometimes the things we think we know are objectively, provably false. In the presence of correct information, we do not change our mind. We just become more entrenched in our original belief. I’m right, you’re wrong!! Wait, maybe you’re right and I’m wrong?? Only the shadow knows.
Nice argument, Harry. This is Kuhn's view of the history of science -- it's not about facts. I recently wrote a piece called "Facts are Squishy Things."
ReplyDeleteDear Lance:
ReplyDeleteHow do we know that your blog is correct?
TsarPat
Thanks, Jim, I just finished reading your "Realms of Gold" and found your assessment of Kuhn to be intriguing. I had never heard of Kuhn until I read you book. Now, I am interested in reading some of his work.
ReplyDeleteDear Lance:
ReplyDeleteIt occurs to me that the way the facts are presented may have something to do with whether they are successfully received or not. The Archie Bunkers aside, if the "fact" is presented helpfully; e.g., unthreateningly; then they have a better chance of success. Did the UofM, which is always trying to catch up with MSU, say anything about that?
Lamont Cranston
Dear Mr. Cranston,
ReplyDeleteIt is my impression that it does not matter whether the facts are presented in a helpful, nonthreatening way and the credibility of the source makes no difference. People still tend to rationalize why their opinion is still correct. Even the experts from MSU are ignored!!
Dear Thinkie:
ReplyDeleteThat "rationalize" is an interesting word. It's quantinary meaning is "to think rationally." What birthers do, for instance, when faced with reality, it to "exempt" themselves. Deniers exempt themselves from rational discourse.
They often suffer as a result, thus, cleansing the gene pool, although they sometimes take the rest of the pool with them.
One ignores MSU at one's own risk.
-Lamont