Is it possible to mitigate cognitive biases? A critical analysis of different proposals for reducing myside bias

Abstract

In this paper, we critically evaluate different strategies used to reduce myside bias. This cognitive bias has been characterized as the tendency to produce and evaluate arguments in a way that is influenced by one's own opinions and ideologies. We propose a division into two major sets of strategies: a first set, linked to dual processes theories, which aims to improve reasoning skills individually, and a second set, linked to evolutionary theories of human reasoning, which is based on the exchange of points of views in dialogical contexts of argumentation. We show that these two sets of strategies focus on activating the same cognitive processes, but while the first set tries to do it through direct instructions in solo reasoning, the second set does it through argumentative exchange with peers. Likewise, we argue that the strategies belonging to the second set may be more promising since this way of reasoning with peers could be replicated later in other situations and contexts of argument production and evaluation. Finally, we highlight the importance of continuing to explore strategies aimed at stimulating metacognitive practices.