The effect of perspective-taking on reasoning about strong and weak belief-relevant arguments. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCrudden, Matthew T.; Barnes, Ashleigh; McTigue, Erin M.; Welch, Casey; MacDonald, Eilidh
• Is Part Of: Thinking & reasoning. Volume 23:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Belief bias -- myside bias -- perspective-taking -- reasoning; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Reasoning (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 153.43
• DOI: 10.1080/13546783.2016.1234411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-6783

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigated whether perspective-taking reduces belief bias independently of argument strength. Belief bias occurs when individuals evaluate belief-consistent arguments more favourably than belief-inconsistent arguments. Undergraduates ( n = 93) read arguments that varied with respect to belief-consistency (i.e., belief-consistent or belief-inconsistent) and strength (i.e., strong or weak) about the topic of climate change. After participants read each argument, those in the perspective-taking condition rated the argument's strength from a perspective of a climate scientist and then from their own perspectives, whereas those in the no perspective-taking condition only rated the arguments from their own perspectives. Perspective-taking eliminated belief bias for weak arguments, but not for strong arguments. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed, and directions for future research are provided.