What Can We Contribute as a Social Scientist?

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A social scientist reviewed the literature on devisiveness and polarization. He found that while there was plenty of research describing how this happens, there wasn't a lot of research into how to reduce polarization in group settings. And so he thought it might be possible to make people realize that they really share yon some basic common human values.

New research suggests people on opposite sides of wedge issues want to listen to each other. We are each eager to hear differing opinions and understand opposing views, and when we do it can change our minds (at least a little), but only when we aren't triggered by the psychological phenomenon of reactance - one of several ideas we explore in this episode.