Facts Don't Matter

In Politics, Facts Don't Matter. That seems to be the consensus of various studies done in recent years over a variety of topics. From climate change to the actions of political figures, the way you traditionally vote (the Party you usually vote for) is more important than any fact or scientific research. 1

This is apparently true regardless of your education level. College graduates are just as likely to be unpersuaded by "facts" as are high school drop outs. 2  Is this due to a proliferation of information, a reluctance to believe any source, voter discontent, news propaganda by the media, lack of information, or simply the inability to change? 

A study at Yale University suggests "that despite being provided with a fact that should change your belief on a subject, your political views distort the truth. Your mind already has an answer established so you are looking for proof that supports it, which is literally working backward in the scientific world." 3 An example is that 51% of greenhouse gases is caused by livestock and their products. Yet we'd rather have more extreme weather (among other issues) than give up one day of meat (i.e., "meatless Monday"). 4

Despite getting peer reviewed after many tests, scientist's data is relegated behind politicians often off-the-cuff remarks. Scientists have to prove their theories while politicians merely have to act like they know what they're talking about.

Or is it an instinctive resistance to change? Psychologists call it "confirmation bias."5  The brain responds to opinions in such a way to keep you feeling safe. Even in a thoughtful exchange where facts are laid out in a non-confrontational way, the other person remains unmoved. The reason is that, as we grow, we develop opinions, ideas and concepts based on our life experiences. Once it's added to our belief system, it's very hard to change.

Can this bias be overcome? Yes, over time and perhaps with experience. The key is to understand the underlying feelings behind someone's bias. The next step is to build trust. Make information easy to understand by using stories and stirring emotions. This is what marketers do to sell products to you. It takes time and patience--other topics we need to work on.


Sources
1. https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthinkprogress.org%2Fclimate%2F2016%2F02%2F23%2F3752548%2Fclimate-denial-linked-to-politics%2F
2. http://whyy.org/cms/radiotimes/2016/05/24/in-politics-why-facts-dont-always-matter/
3. http://www.care2.com/causes/new-study-says-facts-dont-matter-when-it-comes-to-politics.html#ixzz49xvXV05G
4. http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/confirmation_bias.htm
6. http://www.targetmarketingmag.com/post/facts-dont-matter/