What would you predict would happen when Walt, a white supremacist teen, reads a scientific study indicating that Asians have higher IQs than whites?
A) He would begin to reconsider his anti-Asian stance.
B) He would dismiss the study as being flawed.
C) He would now view Asians as more intelligent.
D) He would now view Asians as even less intelligent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Walt, holding white supremacist beliefs, is likely to experience cognitive dissonance when presented with information that contradicts his worldview. To resolve this discomfort, he is more likely to dismiss the study as flawed rather than change his beliefs. This is a common psychological response known as the backfire effect, where contradicting evidence strengthens one's preexisting beliefs.

What Would You Predict Would Happen When Walt, a White