A new analysis of data from numerous studies shows that while people tend to avoid information that contradicts what they already think or believe, certain factors can cause them to seek out, or at least consider, other points of view.
A new analysis was lead by researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida and included data from nearly a 100 studies and 8,000 participants. The team also included researchers from Northwestern University and Ohio University. The studies they reviewed generally asked participants about their views on a given topic and then allowed them to choose whether they wanted to view or read information supporting their own or an opposing point of view.
The researchers found that people are about twice as likely to select information that supports their own point of view, 67%, as to consider an opposing idea 33%. People with close-minded personalities, are even more reluctant to expose themselves to differing perspectives and will opt for the information that corresponds to their views nearly 75 percent of the time.
The researchers also found, not surprisingly, that people are more resistant to new points of view when their own ideas are associated with political, religious or ethical values.
Certain factors can also induce people to seek out opposing points of view, she said. Those who may have to publicly defend their ideas like politicians are more motivated to learn about the views of those who oppose them. While doing so their ideas sometimes change.
People are also more likely to expose themselves to opposing ideas when it is useful to them in some way. Even if you’re going to buy a house and you really like the house, you’re still going to have it inspected. Similarly, no matter how you might like your surgeon, you might seek a second opinion before scheduling a major operation such as wisdom teeth removal.
People tend to stay with their own beliefs and attitudes because changing those might prevent them from living the lives they’re living. Even so about one out of three times people will consider other ideas.
Adapted from materials from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
For me, I wish that I will always have the courage to see things from a different or opposing perspectives. There is a quotation which I use to remind myself at time – The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. Like a parachute, the mind works best only when it is open. There will be time when we need to defend our point of views but that can come into place better when we have an overview of the situation. Hearing both sides of the story helps one to make better decision.
.-= BK´s last blog ..The More I Learn … =-.