The Effect of Analogical Transfer on Belief Bias in Scientific Reasoning

• In Event: 53.082 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 53.082-2 - Poster Session 4: Cognitive and Motivational Processes

Abstract

This study investigated whether analogical transfer can reduce belief bias independently of argument strength. Analogical transfer involves mapping knowledge from a previous situation to a current situation. Belief bias occurs when individuals evaluate belief-consistent arguments more favorably than belief-inconsistent arguments. University students (n = 53) read arguments that varied with respect to belief-consistency (i.e., belief-consistent or belief-inconsistent) and strength (i.e., strong or weak) about the topic of climate change. Participants in the analogy condition received the analogy before rating the arguments, whereas participants in the no analogy condition did not. Analogical transfer eliminated belief bias for weak arguments, but not for strong arguments. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Authors

• Matthew T. McCrudden, Victoria University of Wellington

• Gwen C. Marchand, University of Nevada - Las Vegas