Perseverance of social theories: The role of explanation in the persistence of discredited information

Abstract

A total of 130 Ss in 2 experiments within a debriefing paradigm examined the perseverance of social theories. Ss were initially given 2 case studies suggestive of either a positive or a negative relationship between risk taking and success as a firefighter. Some Ss were asked to provide a written explanation of the relationship; others were not. Experimental Ss were thoroughly debriefed concerning the fictitious nature of the initial case studies; some Ss were not debriefed. Subsequent assessments of Ss' personal beliefs about the relationship indicated that even when initially based on weak data, social theories can survive the total discrediting of that initial evidential base. Correlational and experimental results suggest that such unwarranted theory perseverance may be mediated, in part, by the cognitive process of formulating causal scenarios or explanations. Normative issues and the cognitive processes underlying perseverance are examined, and possible techniques for overcoming unwarranted theory perseverance are discussed. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1980 American Psychological Association.