Abstract
The confirmation bias, our natural inclination to interpret ambiguous information and seek validation in ways conforming with our existing beliefs, plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world. This class activity builds on Peter Cathcart Wason's (1960) 2-4-6 Hypothesis Rule Discovery task, highlighting the importance of falsifiability in research methodology and demonstrating the role of construal shaping our social perception and choices. By introducing the confirmation bias through an engaging experience, students discover even sophisticated thinkers are prone to reasoning errors. This understanding helps us recognize the confirmation bias in various aspects of life, such as social media interactions and news consumption, and encourages critical thinking, open-mindedness, and better-informed decision-making. Ultimately, students appreciate the value of well-designed experimental tasks in explaining complex real-world phenomena, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of human cognition and behavior.
Original language | American English |
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Title of host publication | Promoting Psychological Science |
Subtitle of host publication | A Compendium of Laboratory Exercises for Teachers of High School Psychology |
Editors | Richard L. Miller |
Publisher | American Psychological Association |
Pages | 286-290 |
State | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- confirmation bias
- Peter Cathcart Watson
- falsifiability
- critical thinking
Disciplines
- Philosophy of Science
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Cognitive Psychology