Why Is Motivated Reasoning Important?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Historically, motivated reasoning theory identifies that directional goals enhance the accessibility of knowledge structures (memories, information, knowledge) that are consistent with desired conclusions . ... A “heuristic mechanism” for evaluating new information triggers a reflection on “How do I feel?” about this topic.

What is the theory of motivated reasoning?

In broad terms, motivated reasoning theory suggests that reasoning processes (information selection and evaluation, memory encoding, attitude formation, judgment, and decision-making) are influenced by motivations or goals . Motivations are desired end-states that individuals want to achieve.

Is motivated reasoning real?

Motivated reasoning is a natural human tendency . But just because cognitive biases are pervasive doesn’t mean they can’t be changed. There are ways to identify and overcome erroneous thinking, whether that be an individual’s decision-making process or communication challenges in society more broadly.

What is motivated reasoning in marketing?

While confirmation bias is our tendency to notice and accept that which fits within our preconceived notions and beliefs, motivated reasoning is the complementary tendency to scrutinize ideas more critically when we disagree with them than when we agree . ...

How do you stop motivated reasoning?

  1. If possible, “blind” your data-sets, labels or trials ensuring that the subjects, those conducting the trials and, if possible, your analysts can conduct the research without bias.
  2. This Nature article describes the importance of blinding one’s analysis.

What’s an example of motivated reasoning?

An example of motivated reasoning in the public sphere is the fact that many people continued to believe that Barack Obama was not born in the United States in the face of ample evidence that he was .

What is an example of motivated forgetting?

Motivated forgetting is also defined as a form of conscious coping strategy. For instance, a person might direct his/her mind towards unrelated topics when something reminds them of unpleasant events .

What is biased reasoning?

Klaczynski. Theory-motivated reasoning biases arise when different reasoning skills are invoked to evaluate evidence that is congruent or incongruent with individuals’ belief systems . To explore this phenomenon, 66 early and 73 middle adolescents evaluated evidence relevant to their theories of social class or religion ...

What is an accuracy goal?

An accuracy goal is one where we are motivated to arrive at the most accurate possible conclusion . These occur when the cost of being inaccurate is high. Unsurprisingly, people invest more effort in achieving accuracy goals, as any deviation costs, and a large deviation may well more.

What are motivated beliefs?

“Motivated beliefs” is a relatively recent development economics which offers a position between traditional assumptions of rational and purposeful behavior and the conventional approaches of behavioral economics . It is introduced and explored in a symposium in the Summer 2016 Journal of Economic Perspectives.

What is the difference between motivated reasoning and confirmation bias?

In short, confirmation bias is an implicit tendency to notice information that coincides with our preexisting beliefs and ignore information that doesn’t while motivated reasoning is our tendency to readily accept new information that agrees with our worldview and critically analyze that which doesn’t.

What is Disconfirmation in psychology?

Disconfirmation bias refers to the tendency for people to extend critical scrutiny to information which contradicts their prior beliefs and accept uncritically information that is congruent with their prior beliefs.

How are entrepreneurs motivated?

Entrepreneurs are often motivated by a desire to be recognized as a world-leader in a specific field . Their desire to share their knowledge and engage with their subject matter is often a source of frustration to privacy-obsessed VCs, but is a key internal motivation for the inventor.

What is a motivated error?

Motivated errors persist when participants pay attention to the amounts that comprise the charity payoff (i.e., in decisions where participants choose to view all of the amounts, even though they could avoid them).

What does motivation mean in psychology?

Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors . It is what causes you to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge. Motivation involves the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate behavior.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes . ... This inconsistency between what people believe and how they behave motivates people to engage in actions that will help minimize feelings of discomfort.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.