DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC REASONING BIASES - COGNITIVE VERSUS EGO-PROTECTIVE EXPLANATIONS

Two conflicting perspectives have dominated the literature on self-ser ving reasoning biases. One maintains that individuals have difficulty objectively processing information relevant to their personal theories because they are reluctant to relinquish their cause-effect beliefs r elevant to that domain. The ego-protective view claims that such biase s arise because they enhance or protect individuals' self-views. These opposing positions were studied with 5th, 8th, and 11th graders. Scie ntific reasoning improved with age. Analyses of biases, indicated by r atings of evidence quality and written justifications, yielded mixed r esults regarding developmental trends in reasoning biases. Both theore tical beliefs and ego-protective motivations predicted reasoning biase s. An accuracy motivation led to more complex justifications but faile d to reduce reasoning biases. Adolescents appear to selectively apply their scientific reasoning skills.