The case for preference-inconsistent recommendations

Abstract

Critical thinking requires knowledge about the diversity of viewpoints on controversial issues. However, the diversity of perspectives often remains unexploited: Learners prefer preference-consistent over preference-inconsistent information, a phenomenon called confi rmation bias. This chapter attempts to introduce how recommender systems can be used to stimulate unbiased information selection, elaboration and unbiased evaluation. The principle of preference-inconsistency and its role in supporting critical thinking is explained. We present our empirical approach, the experimental paradigm and a summary of our main fi ndings. Taken together, the results indicate that preference-inconsistent recommendations are an effective approach for stimulating unbiased information selection, elaboration and evaluation. In conclusion, implications for research and practice are discussed.