Experience Reinforces the Confirmation Bias
Strategic Cognitive Biases on Sundays, part 16
The scientists Charles Taber and Milton Lodge found in 2006 that knowledge makes us more prone to confirmation bias and black-and-white thinking.
They asked a group of political science undergraduates to research gun control. The students had to research the issue objectively so that they could explain the arguments of both sides.
The students had access to four information sources, and each source had four arguments. The sources were:
Republican Party
National Rifle Association
Democratic Party
Citizens Against Handguns
The participants could only pick eight arguments out of sixteen.
Students with low political knowledge searched in an even-handed manner. They used the arguments of both sides for the study.
Their more experienced peers, on average, chose six consistent opinions and only two contrary ones.
Students in both groups had their opinions on gun control, but the more experienced were much less likely to research the arguments of the opposing side.
Experience provides us with deep knowledge in our field, but it also rigidifies our thinking.
We know things, and we don’t even want to hear about opposing views.
When you craft your strategy, be careful listening to the opinions of industrial experts. Gather more information from various sources.
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