Thinking and Reasoning
Heuristics are rapid, efficient mental shortcuts that help us navigate the world. They often work remarkably well for our day-to-day decisions. However, for many decisions, heuristics fall short. In fact, relying on heuristics rather than engaging in deliberative, analytical thinking usually leads to bias, overconfidence, and errors.
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How do these biases show up and what are there consequences across contexts? What makes one person more likely to rely on heuristics than another? We investigate these kinds of questions to explore thinking and reasoning.
Unfounded Beliefs
Misinformation has the potential to spread like wildfire and affect decision-making in ways that spill into fundamental domains of living. Now more than ever, in the so-called “Age of Misinformation”, an understanding of the psychological factors that make people turn toward and away from false information is needed. Moreover, political polarization has greatly intensified in recent years and a polarized environment provides a veritable breeding ground for misinformation to grow. Hence, understanding the characteristics that buffer against partisan hostility is timely and important.
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What psychological factors contribute to misinformation and polarization? Who are the individuals who are most extreme and committed to their views? We examine these kinds of questions to clarify the psychology of unfounded beliefs.
Truth-seeking and Humility
Misinformation susceptibility and holding evidence-based and open-minded beliefs are two sides of the same coin. Targeting both sides at once affords us the opportunity to not only reduce problematic beliefs but increase rational beliefs. Both steps are necessary to create a wiser, less polarized society. One salient construct in the context of decision-making is intellectual humility, which refers to tendencies to recognize one’s intellectual limitations and remain open to different points of view.
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Does intellectual humility help bridge ideological and informational divides? Can intellectual humility be cultivated and, if so, how? We ask these kinds of questions to understand the potential power of intellectual humility and truth-seeking across contexts and populations.