I don't disagree with the data; it disagrees with me.
This explains so much.
The Scientific Impotence Excuse:Discounting Belief-Threatening Scientific AbstractsBut, is "disconfirming' really a word? (Prove it!)
The scientific impotence discounting hypothesis predicts that people resist belief-disconfirming scientific evidence by concluding that the topic of study is not amenable to scientific investigation. In 2 studies, participants read a series of brief abstracts that either confirmed or disconfirmed their existing beliefs about a stereotype associated with homosexuality. Relative to those reading belief-confirming evidence, participants reading belief-disconfirming evidence indicated more belief that the topic could not be studied scientifically and more belief that a series of other unrelated topics could not be studied scientifically. Thus, being presented with belief-disconfirming scientific evidence may lead to an erosion of belief in the efficacy of scientific methods.
Yes, since circa 1935 according to dictionary.com.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how tightly we cling to our beliefs, we'd rather discount evidence to the contrary than consider changing.
I wonder if they looked at beliefs with less of a religious/moral component if they'd see a similar effect.