Do our brains really resist new information and differing beliefs?
@Rohvannyn (3098)
United States
October 5, 2016 2:26pm CST
I was reading this article "the three characteristics of an educated man" and came across a really interesting concept. (non commercial link for those who want to read it.)
The article talks about what happens if you look at a brain scan of someone hearing an argument that contradicts their own position. Apparently, when that happens, blood flow to the part of the brain that controls rational thought is actually restricted until they hear something that is more in line with their own views.
I wanted to know more about the sourcing on this particular idea, and I really wanted to read the study that looked at this behavior, but haven't been able to find it yet. However, I can really see the effect of this physiological effect. I notice it in myself, how I am less likely to really listen when hearing someone's differing view.
According to the article, a way to get around this is to actively seek out different perspectives on everything. Eventually, you can become "open minded" without having your brain fall out. You can become more reasonable when hearing other opinions you don't agree with, and become rational about it instead of just shutting them out.
Who knew "open minded" could really have to do with how open certain blood vessels are?
6 people like this
6 responses
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
5 Oct 16
Yeah, I thought it was fascinating too. It explains a lot of behavior I see daily!
1 person likes this
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
10 Feb 17
@Rohvannyn In answer to my own question, it really appears so.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218788)
• Walnut Creek, California
15 Oct 16
In general, I think being able to consider another's position, even if it differs from your own, is a sign of both intelligence and self-actualization. Psychologists use terms like "confirmation bias" and "cognitive conservatism" do describe the ego-defensive phenomenon of selectively talking in information that confirms what you think you know. I hadn't known about the brain-scan research--thanks!
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@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
15 Oct 16
Totally agreed. As for the research, I still haven't tracked down the studies, but I've witnessed the effect so I think there's some validity to them.
1 person likes this
@Beatburn (4286)
• Philippines
7 Mar 17
@Rohvannyn Many brain-based researches have been made because of current technology. Thanks for posting about this.
@kumbarn14 (735)
• Pakistan
7 Oct 16
First you think of a subject immaterial what it is and this information is gathered by the brain and then the physical action takes place, Do you have people talk and do some action with no reasons all the time - 24 hours.
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@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
17 Oct 16
the brain is a super complex thing, that's for sure
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@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
6 Oct 16
I've thought the same about not being able to argue, but I'm getting better at it. I think I'd be less able to argue if my centers of rationality are being depleted of blood.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7340)
•
6 Oct 16
Yes, it does take discipline and consistent practice of using our own God-given judgment and intelligence to base everything we hear and read on truth and facts.
Until we find the truth based on facts, we do not stop asking, studying and investigating and then, making our own conclusion and judgment on any matter of importance.
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