Jim, it seems to fit fine as an illustration of false consensus. A key component, for many social psych folks, is that this pervasive presumption that others share our views is due to our social-political associations (similarity) and the availability heuristic. As you likely have found, it is uncomfortable and hard to immerse yourself among those who have very different views and values. Most cable shows, most social networking, blogging, etc., is geared to find and cater to those who are similar to us. Also, when we immerse ourselves in the "opposition camps," it is challenging to know how to really communicate and have a rational conversation without some agreed-upon ways to overcome the emotional biases and implicit cognitive biases that prevent constructive dialogue. Rock on! Gary
Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI 48710 989-964-4491 [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Dougan" <[email protected]> To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)" <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2009 10:49:04 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [tips] The false consensus bias and political discourse TIPsters..... I just did a blog post applying the false consensus bias to ongoing political discourse. You can find it here: http://hippieprofessor.com/2009/10/01/stuck-in-the-middle-with-you-as-long-as-you-agree-with-me/ You know and I know that I am not a social psychologist - so I am way out of my league here. The blog audience for the most part knows no psychology, so I feel comfortable doing this - but I would be interested in what those of you more knowledgeable think of the analysis. -- Jim Dougan *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Be sure to see my blog! http://hippieprofessor.com --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
