Confirmation Bias vs. Disconfirming Evidence: Battle of the Strongest
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Melanie Peralta
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Forensic Psychology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Christine Doyle
Abstract:
This experiment was conducted to measure confirmation bias in the presence of disconfirming evidence. A total of 74 participants, who were selected through a convenience sample, took part in this study. Participants were sent a link to a Qualtrics survey that consisted of multiple-choice questions and articles. The questions on the survey, besides the demographic questions, focused on their individual views on gun control. Within the survey, the participants were divided into 2 groups: the pro-gun control group and the anti-gun control group. Based on their responses, depicted what group they were assigned to and what article they were to read. The pro-gun control group read an anti-gun control article. The anti-gun control group read a pro-gun control article. After reviewing their respective article, participants were then presented with follow up multiple-choice questions relating to what they just read. A series of Chi-Square tests were performed to analyze the data, statistically significant results were found but did not support the hypothesis. Of those who read the anti-gun article they were more open to re-evaluate their belief and look at the topic from a different lens than people who read the pro-gun article. The experiment was successful in obtaining significantly diverse political responses within the participants who took part in the study. Future research inspired by this experiment might involve hosting a space for the duration of the study and focus on a different controversial matter such as abortion or the death penalty.