How Minds Change

"Once it seems like you've received confirmation that you are correct, you don't go looking for disconfirmation just to make sure." Assimilation and accommodation.

"Once it seems like you've received confirmation that you are correct, you don't go looking for disconfirmation just to make sure." Assimilation and accommodation. These two processes, identified by psychologist Jean Piaget, explain how minds change. Assimilation involves integrating new information into existing mental structures, while accommodation requires modifying those structures to fit new information. Assimilation: Fitting new information into existing beliefs Accommodation: Changing beliefs to fit new information When faced with new information, people first try to assimilate it. Only when assimilation fails do they consider accommodation. This explains why simply presenting facts often fails to change minds – people try to fit those facts into their existing worldview rather than changing their worldview to fit the facts.

"No matter [what] they say on the scale, you respectfully listen. Why do you feel that way? What led to it? Be a genuine, curious listener, that's what makes them feel open to considering new viewpoints." Non-judgmental listening. Deep canvassing, developed by the Leadership LAB, is a highly effective technique for changing minds on contentious issues. It involves: Establishing rapport and asking for consent to explore reasoning Asking for a numerical measure of confidence in a claim Listening to personal experiences related to the issue Sharing relevant personal stories Encouraging reflection on one's own thinking Research shows deep canvassing can produce significant attitude changes in a single conversation, lasting for months or even years. Its success lies in creating a safe space for people to examine their own beliefs without feeling judged or threatened.

"When we sense a threat to our place within a trusted group—if we feel like we might be considered untrustworthy for changing our minds—we avoid it." Substantial Uncertainty and Ramified Priors. The SURFPAD model (Substantial Uncertainty + Ramified Priors or Assumptions = Disagreement) explains why people can look at the same information and reach vastly different conclusions. Substantial Uncertainty: Ambiguous or complex situations Ramified Priors: Different background experiences and assumptions When faced with uncertainty, our brains unconsciously use prior experiences to fill in the gaps. This process happens without our awareness, leading us to feel certain about our interpretations even when they differ dramatically from others'. Understanding SURFPAD can help us approach disagreements with more empathy and openness.

"We are willing to sacrifice ourselves and others for the group, if it comes to that." Group identity over accuracy. Humans are ultra-social animals, evolved to prioritize group belonging over individual correctness. This tribal psychology leads to: In-group favoritism and out-group bias Resistance to information that threatens group identity Motivated reasoning to defend group beliefs…