Look closer. Think harder. Choose the sound argument over the clever one.

Monday, July 12, 2010

How Facts Backfire

A very interesting read, from the Boston Globe: How facts backfire:
“The general idea is that it’s absolutely threatening to admit you’re wrong,” says political scientist Brendan Nyhan, the lead researcher on the Michigan study. The phenomenon — known as “backfire” — is “a natural defense mechanism to avoid that cognitive dissonance.”

Human nature, sadly, is still human nature, whether you call it positive internal efficacy or whatever.

Update: Tom gives it some attention it deserves.


Comments:

(Please keep in mind that each commenter's opinions are only his/her own.)


Post a Comment



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?