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Attitude Polarization: Theory and Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Dubra
  • Jean Pierre Benoit

Abstract

Numerous experiments have demonstrated the possibility of attitude polarization. For instance, Lord, Ross & Leper (1979) found that death penalty advocates became more convinced of the deterrent effect of the death penalty while opponents become more convinced of the lack of a deterrent e§ect, after being presented with the same studies. However, there is an unclear understanding of just what these experiments show and what their implications are. We argue that attitude polarization is consistent with an unbiased evaluation of evidence. Moreover, attitude polarization is even to be expected under many circumstances, in particular those under which experiments are conducted. We also undertake a critical re-examination of several well-known papers.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Dubra & Jean Pierre Benoit, 2015. "Attitude Polarization: Theory and Evidence," Documentos de Trabajo/Working Papers 1503, Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales y Economia. Universidad de Montevideo..
    • Handle: RePEc:mnt:wpaper:1503
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    File URL: https://www2.um.edu.uy/fcee_papers/2015/working_paper_um_cee_2015_05.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Attitude Polarization; Confirmation Bias; Bayesian Decision Making;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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