The Most Common Cognitive Bias by Veritasium

To accurately assess the reliability of a claim, it's crucial to actively challenge this bias by intentionally seeking out information that may disprove or contradict the claim.

To effectively search for disconfirming information:

• Critically examine your search queries: Ensure that your questions and search terms are neutral and not inadvertently biased towards confirming the claim.
• Actively seek opposing viewpoints: Look for sources that present alternative perspectives or contradictory evidence.
• Evaluate contradictory sources seriously: Give fair consideration to information that challenges the claim, even if it conflicts with your initial beliefs.
• Broaden your search: Use diverse sources and platforms to gather a wide range of information on the topic.
• Question your own assumptions: Be willing to reassess your beliefs in light of new evidence.

By deliberately seeking out and seriously considering disconfirming information, you can more accurately evaluate the validity of claims and reduce the impact of confirmation bias on your decision-making process. This approach leads to a more balanced and informed understanding of the topic at hand.

How We Can Reduce Prejudice with a Conversation by David Fleischer 

"After a vote that banned same-sex marriage in California, David Fleischer and his team at the Los Angeles LGBT Center set about to find out why, and attempt to reduce prejudice by going door-to-door. Could they change peoples' minds with a conversation? The answer surprised everyone."

Why You Think You're Right---Even If You're Wrong by Julia Galef

When your steadfast opinions are tested, Galef asks: "What do you most yearn for? Do you yearn to defend your own beliefs or do you yearn to see the world as clearly as you possibly can?"

Challenge your motivated reasoning bias by adopting what calls a scout mindset:

• Be curious
• Be open
• Be grounded

The Joy of Being Wrong by Freethink & The John Templeton Foundation

"The scientific method asks us to test every idea, question every theory... intellectual humility is the same principal applied to the individual."

On Being Wrong by Kathryn Schulz

Schulz's book, by the same title, is available at FC Library (2nd Floor ; BD171 .S3273 2011)

"Most of us will do anything to avoid being wrong. But what if we're wrong about that? "Wrongologist" Kathryn Schulz makes a compelling case for not just admitting but embracing our fallibility."