Doubt It

Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press

Doubt It

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There’s new research about how people process information, errors, and corrections. A look at what those findings tell us about the efficacy of journalism. Plus, how unethical research practices and liberal bias have created a cloud of doubt in the world of social science research. And, eight months after the election, Brooke and Bob reflect on OTM’s coverage of the Trump administration.

1. Dartmouth College‘s Brendan Nyhan on new research that challenges the “backfire effect,” the theory that make people double-down on their false ideas.

2. University of Toronto‘s Uli Schimmack on the replication crisis throughout the field of psychology, and the effort to promote more ethical research practices.

3. New York University‘s Jay Van Bavel on how social psychology is trying to face the possibility of a liberal slant, both in research subjects and in the system itself.

4. Brooke and Bob revisit their post-Election Day confrontation, and discuss how best to cover Trump going forward.