lecture 6

Question 1

• Can we identify broad principles of how motivations affect the way we think?
aka what is this theory

Answer 1

Theory of “Lay Epistemics

Question 2

what are the parts to the Theory of “Lay Epistemics

Answer 2

1. Need for closure
2. Desire for validity
3. Motive for specific conclusions

Question 3

what is 1) Need for Closure:

Answer 3

the motive to have some answer on a topic (rather than uncertainty, confusion)
• leads to “seizing and freezing”: rushing to judgment and not changing one’s mind
– E.g., using first impressions & heuristics
– E.g., paying attention to consistent information

Because, for example:
– Not enough time or attentional resources to think more carefully
– Need to act (rather than think more)

Question 4

explain

Answer 4

Motivation to be accurate
• Leads to more careful judgment
– More willingness to consider inconsistent information

• Because, for example:
– High personal cost of making a mistake – Expecting to be accountable
for one’s judgment

Question 5

what is Motive for specific conclusions

Answer 5

Because of cherished beliefs, e.g. – Life is fair; people get
what they deserve
– I am invulnerable
– I am in control
– I am “good”
– Our group is better than their group
• Because of situational benefit of one belief versus another

Person may use various biased thinking (e.g.,
selective attention, biased construal) to reach
the desired conclusion
• A desired conclusion can produce early
closure (if desired conclusion reached) or delayed closure (if desired conclusion not yet reached)