It’s time to reconsider: the neuropsychology of belief change

Purpose

The consequences of students harboring false beliefs that contradict scientific evidence include reasoning difficulties and applying inaccurate information to problem solving. Relying on unsupported beliefs undermines judgment, fosters irrational reasoning, and is detrimental to the best interests of society. However, many belief change initiatives fail, presumably because conventional approaches to belief change conflict with how the brain processes instrumental and valenced information.

Method

To provide a more reliable and objective explanation as to why some knowledge reconstruction efforts are transitory, fragmented, and superficial, neuropsychology evidence was investigated to supplement existing behavioral belief-change research. Neuroscience findings related to belief change were summarized by describing the biology of knowledge reconstruction and why some research-based practices (particularly refutational texts) may stand in direct contrast to neuropsychological interpretations of knowledge revision. Specific applied strategies were advanced.

Findings

The success of changing minds depends on effectively modifying false beliefs by focusing on the prospective gains from belief revision rather than emphasizing the risks associated with maintaining existing beliefs. Additionally, cognitive, not affective processing should be emphasized using refutations that employ information that generates positive perceptions, not forecasts of doom and debilitation. All recommendations align with neurological findings that suggest positive and rewarding information enhances the probability of adaptive neuromodulation leading to brain plasticity.