Self-research motivated by a challenge produced rapid belief abandonment

Evidence

The trigger for Florian Albrecht’s transformation was, of all things, a discussion with an anti-vaxxer: after a patient confronted him with hair-raising claims about adverse events from vaccination, he began to do research and came across skeptical and scientific online resources, especially on the portal Scienceblogs. Still in the role of a believer, he participated in the commentary discussions there and sometimes felt harshly attacked by scientifically skeptical discussion participants. When researching arguments for his ideas, he encountered mostly contradictory information when looking at reputable sources. As a result, he explains, he threw one alternative medical idea after another overboard in a daily or weekly rhythm. — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 200

Categorization

• QUESTION: Contrasts with Grams: rapid internal research vs. slow social conversion — what conditions determine the path?
• XREF: connects to: Repeated truths eventually overcome even motivated reasoners’ resistance — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 322