Belief Bias: I Win You Lose -- Cognitive Biases Series | Academy 4 Social Change Belief Bias: Lesson Plan Topic People tend to reject assertions that do not fit in with their belief systems, even though these statements may be perfectly logical and arguably possible. Belief Bias is the tendency to judge the strength of arguments based on the plausibility of their conclusion rather than how strongly they support that conclusion. Possible subjects/classes Time needed Psychology, Sociology, Economics, 30-45 minutes Business, Marketing, Civics Video link: https://academy4sc.org/topic/belief-bias-i-win-you-lose/ Objective: What will students be able to do at the end of class? By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: ● Define the term belief bias ● Identify specific instances in which the concept can be applied ● Explain how belief bias can be used as a shield against being persuaded/affected/convinced by someone Key Concepts & Vocabulary Bias Materials Needed N/A Before you watch Think-Pair-Share Can you think of an instance in which you found yourself arriving at a conclusion before even hearing the argument? Why do you think this happened? Belief Bias: I Win You Lose -- Cognitive Biases Series | Academy 4 Social Change While you watch 1. Define belief bias 2. How do belief bias and politics relate? After you watch/discussion questions 1. What are some ways in which you can assure that your beliefs don’t interfere with the conclusions you make about any given topic? 2. Do you think it’s possible to put one’s beliefs aside when considering new information or do we always utilize those beliefs when making decisions? Explain. Activity Ideas 1. Have students design an experiment to test their own or others belief bias 2. Students can work in groups to design a “plan” for combatting belief bias in their own lives, thinking particularly about places where its is most common, like social media. Sources/places to learn more 1. Gill, S. (2018). Processing Perspectives: Examining Beliefs, Biases, and Reality Through Stories. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. 2. Markovits, H.; G. Nantel (1989). "The belief-bias effect in the production and evaluation of logical conclusions". Memory and Cognition. 17 (1): 11–17. doi:10.3758/BF03199552. 3. Trippas, D.; M. F. Verde; S. J. Handley (2014). "Using forced choice to test belief bias in syllogistic reasoning". Cognition . 133 (3): 586–600. doi:10.1016/j.cognition.2014.08.009. .