Prior Beliefs Bias in the Processing of Scientific Arguments: A Comparison Between Preadolescents and Adults

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Supporting Learning Through Fundamental Cognitive Processes

Abstract

In this series of experiments, we exposed 7th grade students (Study 1) and University students (Study 2) to the same divergent scientific arguments on a controversial topic (is organic food really healthier ?) to compare the extent to which this exposure impacted students’ prior beliefs on the topic. If a similar bias in the evaluation of the arguments was found in the two age groups, 7th graders moderated both their beliefs and attitude towards organic food after being exposed to the arguments while adults showed no significant change. These results suggest that preadolescents may be more prone than adults to revise their beliefs after being exposed to divergent scientific arguments on a controversial topic.

Authors

• Colin Lescarret, University of Toulouse

• Franck Amadieu, University of Toulouse

• Valérie Le Floch, University of Toulouse

• Jean-Christophe Sakdavong, University of Toulouse

• Jean-Michel Boucheix, University of Bourgogne

• André Tricot, University of Toulouse