NPR: In politics the facts don't change opinions

[futurebeachbum]

Interesting interview with some researchers on NPR called "In Politics, Sometimes The Facts Don't Matter". The audio of the interview is on that page as well.

New research suggests that misinformed people rarely change their minds when presented with the facts -- and often become even more attached to their beliefs. The finding raises questions about a key principle of a strong democracy: that a well-informed electorate is best.
...
A new body of research out of the University of Michigan suggests that's not what happens, that we base our opinions on beliefs and when presented with contradictory facts, we adhere to our original belief even more strongly.

The phenomenon is called backfire, and it plays an especially important role in how we shape and solidify our beliefs on immigration, the president's place of birth, welfare and other highly partisan issues.

This topic amazes me.

I, for one, have never experienced intransigence like this on this political forum.

 

[ugabuga]

Yes, very interesting program & subject.

After I heard the NPR program yesterday, I started the thread "Have You Ever Changed Your Mind?"

You might be interested in seeing some of the comments there.

 

[futurebeachbum]

Yes, very interesting program & subject.

After I heard the NPR program yesterday, I started the thread "Have You Ever Changed Your Mind?"

You might be interested in seeing some of the comments there.

Oops. I missed that one.