"Seeing Reason" Flashcards
Describe “post-truth politics” or “truthiness.”
Claims that have no real base, they just fit out pre-existing attitudes.
Describe the lawyerly tendency/motivated reasoning.
We begin with conclusions and work back to facts that support what we believe, dismissing those that contradict us.
Who among conservatives are most likely to deny climate change?
The scientifically literate.
What is a major driver of motivated reasoning?
Political ideology.
How does Kahan explain scientifically literate people polarising most on big issues?
The better you are at handling scientific info, the better you are at confirming your own bias and denying inconvenient facts.
What does IQ predict about understanding of statistics?
The more numerate you are, the more you distort them.
What predicts anti-vaccine opinions?
There is no demographic factor.
What is the social media “filter bubble?”
Social networks show you news similar to what you have already seen, particularly what people who are politically active on your news feed have shared.
Describe the “backfire effect.”
When presenting people with accurate information actually strengthens their opposing view.
Describe “belief echoes.”
When the taint of a false accusation sticks to an innocent target.
What visual presentation style allows people to form more accurate beliefs than written text?
Graphs.
When esteem enhancing technique can help people avoid rejecting facts due to indemnify threat?
Self-affirmation.
What is the effect of self affirmation on Republicans whose identity is not strongly tied to the party?
They are less likely to reject climate change.
What is the effect of self affirmation on Republicans whose identity is very strongly tied to the party?
Their beliefs on climate change in unchanged or reinforced.
What is the effect of self affirmation on conservatives’ opinions on conspiracy theories?
Increased endorsement.
