The Impact of Neuroscience Information on Scientific Reasoning

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Using, Integrating, and Evaluating Information

Abstract

In today’s information dense world, the ability to think critically about evidence-based claims is a valuable skill. Research suggests that certain types of alluring information, such as neuroscience details, can influence the quality of scientific reasoning. Our work examines the influence of neuroscience information on evaluations of flawed scientific studies after taking into account individual differences related to reasoning, such as prior beliefs about the claim, scientific reasoning skills, and thinking dispositions. We find that neuroscience information influences ratings of convincingness and decreases the likelihood of identifying the flaws in the study methodology. These results illustrate how interesting but extraneous information can influence scientific reasoning. Implications for critical thinking instruction are discussed.

Authors

• Rebecca Rhodes, University of Michigan

• Fernando Rodriguez

• Priti Shah, University of Michigan