Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 13:03:02
Major
Psychology
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2019
Abstract
In today’s political climate, when basic facts and reasoning are seemingly up for debate, it is increasingly important to be able to identify well-reasoned arguments, regardless of one’s political leanings, and to retain this skill throughout the lifespan. Research has shown, however, a persistent belief bias—a tendency to judge an argument’s validity based on its conclusion’s agreement with one’s beliefs, rather than its logical quality. Other findings suggest that belief bias can be reduced by instruction to avoid belief bias. The current project seeks to explore whether older adults, believed to be more prone to biased reasoning, respond differently to such instruction, as well as to identify other potential individual differences in belief bias. Participants (41 young adults, 33 older adults) completed an online survey in which they were asked to evaluate valid and invalid syllogisms about political topics, both before and after instruction to avoid belief bias. Contrary to the literature, there was no significant difference between the bias scale scores or correction post-manipulation based on age group; however, response to de-biasing instructions was inversely related to political conservatism. Findings call into doubt the general statement that older adults are categorically more biased, and further research is suggested.
Research Sponsor
Jennifer Tehan Stanley
First Reader
Andrea Snell
Second Reader
Luis Proenza
Recommended Citation
Carney, William D., "Manipulating Belief Bias Across the Lifespan" (2019). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 957.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/957