Below is a summary of our current projects.
Morally motivated reasoning. People sometimes view it as justified and appropriate to form beliefs that are inconsistent with the best available evidence. This is especially the case when the evidence supports what is perceived to be a morally questionable conclusion. In this project we try to identify the personality characteristics, and situational circumstances, that prevent people from viewing morally motivated reasoning as appropriate.
Pro-science beliefs. What makes some people believe in evolution while others reject it? In this project, we examined the role of analytic thinking and valuing epistemic rationality in the endorsement of this kind of pro-science beliefs (i.e., beliefs that are consistent with the best scientific evidence).
Belief bias. We often believe stupid things. Can thinking better and being motivated to form beliefs based on logic and evidence improve our reasoning when information is inconsistent with our prior beliefs? Can we reach valid conclusions even if our prior beliefs are politically motivated? In this project, we aim to answer these questions.
Intolerance of dissent. Dissent is vitally important in promoting accurate, nuanced decision making and discouraging groupthink. In a highly charged political environment characterized by misinformation and echo chambers, dissent is of particular importance. This project focuses on ingroup dissent, and seeks to understand the personality traits and political a(symmetries) leading to intolerance of ingroup dissent.