Journal
CURRENT OPINION IN PSYCHOLOGY
Volume 43, Issue -, Pages 1-6Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.005
Keywords
False Polarization; Meta-Perceptions; Cognition; Biases; Political Psychology
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Although political polarization in the United States is real, intense, and increasing, partisans consistently overestimate its magnitude, leading to "false polarization" that inhibits compromise. Research suggests that oversimplification and emotional amplification are cognitive and affective processes contributing to this phenomenon.
Although political polarization in the United States is real, intense, and increasing, partisans consistently overestimate its magnitude. This 'false polarization' is insidious because it reinforces actual polarization and inhibits compromise. We review empirical research on false polarization and the related phenomenon of negative meta-perceptions, and we propose three cognitive and affective processes that likely contribute to these phenomena: categorical thinking, oversimplification, and emotional amplification. Finally, we review several interventions that have shown promise in mitigating these biases.
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