David McRaney, author of 'How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion' and host of the You Are Not So Smart Podcast, discusses shared interests, social belonging, and the power of beliefs, attitudes, and values in changing minds.
Deep canvassing is an effective technique for changing people's attitudes and beliefs on wedge issues.
Understanding the social motivations behind resistance to change is crucial for facilitating productive dialogues.
Deep dives
Deep canvassing: A powerful technique for persuasion
Deep canvassing is a conversational technique that aims to engage with individuals who may hold different opinions on a certain issue. It involves going door to door and having meaningful conversations that can potentially change people's attitudes and beliefs. This technique was developed in Los Angeles to address same-sex marriage opposition and has been successful in persuading individuals to reconsider their stances on wedge issues. Deep canvassing is now being used in various domains and has proven to be an effective tool for social scientists, activists, and political campaigns.
The power of perception and the ambiguity of the dress
The infamous dress image that went viral on the internet exemplified the concept of perception and how different people can see the same thing differently. The perceived color of the dress, whether it appeared white and gold or black and blue, was influenced by an individual's prior experiences with lighting conditions. This demonstrates the processes of assimilation and accommodation in our brains, where we try to fit new information into existing models or update our models to accommodate new information. The dress phenomenon highlights the importance of understanding how our minds construct reality and how our beliefs and attitudes can be influenced.
Social identity and resistance to change
Humans are inherently social creatures, driven by a need for belonging and acceptance in groups. This social nature often leads individuals to resist changing their beliefs or opinions, as it can jeopardize their standing within their social group. People tend to prioritize maintaining their group identity and reputation over being right or accepting new information. This resistance to change is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, as our survival and well-being have historically depended on group cohesion and conformity. Recognizing the social motivations behind resistance to change is crucial for understanding human behavior and facilitating productive dialogues.
The importance of critical thinking skills in the digital age
In today's digital age, where misinformation and false narratives abound, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. Educators and educational leaders should prioritize teaching students how to navigate the overwhelming amount of information available and how to critically evaluate sources and claims. Students need to learn how to disambiguate ambiguous information and identify their own biases and the biases of others. By equipping students with these skills, we can empower them to discern the truth, challenge their own beliefs, and engage in meaningful conversations that lead to social and intellectual growth.