Why do some people never admit they are wrong?

The Influence of Biased Information

This phenomenon explains why many people hold firm opinions, based on limited and often biased sources. Angus Fletcher, an English professor at Ohio State University, points out that people rarely stop to consider whether there is more information that could influence their decision.

This tendency is reinforced when some data is presented that seems to be aligned, leading many to accept these conclusions without questioning.

The Revealing Experiment

The study involved nearly 1,300 American participants who read an article about a fictitious school with water supply issues. Participants were divided into groups that received only half of the story: one group read arguments for merging the school and another, reasons against it.

A third group, the control group, received all the information. Interestingly, those with partial information felt more confident in their decisions than those who had the complete story.

The Possibility of Changing One's Mind

Despite this excessive confidence, the study also showed an encouraging aspect: when presented with opposing arguments, many participants were willing to reconsider their positions. However, this is not always possible, especially on issues with strong ideological connotations, where new information may be dismissed or reinterpreted to fit pre-existing beliefs.

The Importance of Seeking the Full Story

The illusion of sufficient information is a challenge in daily interactions, not just in ideological debates. Fletcher suggests that before making a decision or taking a stance, it is crucial to ask ourselves if there are aspects that we might be overlooking. This approach helps us better understand others' perspectives, promoting a more enriching dialogue and reducing misunderstandings. Ultimately, combating this illusion involves being open to new information and being aware of our own limitations in knowledge.