Research: Facts Don't Change Anyone's Mind

Don't think that more facts makes for better decisions, according to this roundup of commentary on knowledge research from The Atlantic Wire (How Facts Are Killing Politics): There are lots of obvious education-related implications of these studies, which highlight our distinct reluctance to change our minds. If facts don't change minds, then why do we insist on believing that more, better research will make a difference? Perhaps we're... unwilling to change our minds in the face of the facts.

Comments

[Claus]

Maybe one goal of schools is to teach kids that facts are, well, important.

[Roxanna Elden]

I'm not unwilling to change my mind... I don't care what you say.

[Lorna]

I found the article interesting as I think about all the items either I or my division has written in support of need-based funding to our state legislators. We provided data and indicated that a knowledge-based economy was better economically for our state. We highlighted the health benefit, social benefit, and increase in tax revenue as educated workers tend to have higher paying jobs. Even with all the data provided, merit based scholarships increased while need-based funding remains minimal (especially coming from a state with one of highest unemployment rates and low-wages).