How Minds Change with David McRaney

There are times we can answer a question without much thought. If we were to examine the reasons why we gave the answer, would we change our response? Today's guest is David McRaney. David is a journalist, author, and lecturer fascinated with brains, minds, and culture. He has created a blog, book, and ongoing podcast entitled You Are Not So Smart which is about self-delusion. His most recent book, How Minds Change, is all about the science behind how and why people do and do not change their mind and the intricacies and nuances of persuasion.

Show Notes:

• [1:09] - David shares what he does as a science journalist and how he found himself interested in the topics he writes and speaks about.

• [4:38] - The way people work has always fascinated him.

• [6:50] - David shares a story about psychology that really excited him.

• [8:35] - In the height of blogging's popularity, David began his blog You Are Not So Smart.

• [9:57] - David explains what the Introspection Illusion is.

• [12:31] - If you want something, you will come up with reasons why.

• [13:40] - An example of this is when you share what you like about another person.

• [15:59] - This concept can be looked at as delusion, but it's really just how brains work.

• [19:30] - What do you have in place to approach your own feelings and beliefs?

• [23:08] - David and Chris go through an exercise to demonstrate guided metacognition.

• [27:00] - We can answer some questions quickly, but others need more thought.

• [30:00] - The technique that David demonstrated is used to allow people more introspection.

• [32:22] - Start with things that you love and practice this technique.

• [33:37] - David and Chris talk about conspiracy theories and how to improve critical thinking.

• [35:27] - ConspiracyTest.org is a site that gives you a score on how susceptible you are to conspiratorial thinking.

• [37:48] - Conspiracy theories seem much more prevalent now, but conspiratorial thinking is no more rampant than it has been in the past.

• [39:32] - What should we do if a friend or family member has fallen into conspiratorial thinking?

• [42:17] - Finding reasons to rationalize conspiracy theories has never been easier with the internet.

• [44:31] - There are reasons that some people are more attuned to this thinking and some are more skeptical.

• [48:36] - Think about a scenario and imagine your initial reaction.

• [49:33] - Build rapport and assure the other person that you are not out to shame them. Get out of the debate frame.

• [52:01] - You can have conversations that don't end in a dead end.

• [55:13] - Reactance is when someone takes away your agency.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.

Links and Resources:

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• David McRaney's Website

• The Conspiracy Theory Test

• You Are Not Smart Podcast