Describing Political Positions

Abstract

When discussing their political views, people tend to believe in their positions with a great deal of certainty while also misperceiving others’ certainty as indicating extremity. The current study strived to test whether people would tailor their expressed certainty when they believed they were interacting with someone who agreed with them, disagreed with them, or was neutral on the topic. Participants provided descriptions of their views on two political issues and were randomly assigned to describe their position as if they were to explain it to someone who shared their views, opposed their views, or had no opinion on the issue. Participants ultimately came across as quite certain when describing their political positions, regardless of whether they were communicating with an opponent or compatriot. Consequently, participants were more likely to state their ideas as fact and use language that enhanced the apparent certainty of their statements. Participants rarely tempered their certainty and often did not recognize opposing positions without also criticizing it, especially when faced with someone who disagreed. These findings suggest that people will not change how certainly they describe their views when given the motivation to do so.

Faculty Mentor: Craig Blatz

Department: Psychology