The Illusion of Explanatory Depth and the Ineffectiveness of Arguing

The illusion of explanatory depth suggests that people believe they understand things more deeply than they actually do. When tested, individuals often realize there is a significant gap between what they think they know and what they truly understand. This was demonstrated by asking people to assemble a flush toilet, a task that none were able to accomplish. Additionally, the ineffectiveness of arguing is highlighted, as trying to convince people often results in them cementing their own beliefs rather than being open to change. Instead of arguing, it is suggested that attempting to deeply convince someone they are wrong is not an effective strategy, as it usually leads to the reinforcement of their existing beliefs.