The Psychology of
Motivated Reasoning
Why does importance override evidence? We explore how intelligent individuals use cognitive tools to defend impossible conclusions, from political bias to Flat Earth theories.
The Paradox of Intelligence
Intelligence is often viewed as a shield against misinformation. However, cognitive psychology suggests that when a subject is central to a person's identity, higher intelligence actually provides better "ammunition" for rationalization. This infographic visualizes the data behind why we believe what we need to believe.
The Vulnerability Profile
Psychological traits that predict a tendency to accept alternative narratives over established scientific data.
The Intelligence Trap
Mapping the correlation between cognitive ability and the capacity to generate defensive arguments for false beliefs.
The Path to Epistemic Closure
The process by which an intelligent skeptic is funneled into a self-reinforcing echo chamber where evidence becomes irrelevant.
Distrust Entry
Initial skepticism of a "Mainstream" institution or authority figure.
Social Validation
Finding a community that rewards the new "insight" with social status.
Information Sieve
Algorithms reinforce bias by hiding contradictory viewpoints.
Total Closure
Counter-evidence is rebranded as "Propaganda" by the group.
The Identity Backfire
Tracking belief strength when confronted with direct contradictory factual evidence.
Drivers of Truth Perception
A comparison of what weights most heavily in a person's decision to accept a new claim as "fact."