In an effort to get his sister Sharon to vaccinate her young children, Frank compiled the results from many scientific research studies that show the long-term health benefits of childhood vaccines. Yet when Frank presented the information to Sharon, she refused to believe him, stating that the research was clearly faked by large pharmaceutical companies. Sharon not only said that vaccines are risky but also now claims they are poisonous.
What occurred in the conversation between Frank and Sharon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The backfire effect occurred in the conversation between Frank and Sharon. This is because despite Frank presenting scientific evidence, Sharon refused to believe and actually became more entrenched in her beliefs about the dangerous nature of vaccines. This is a common phenomenon where presenting contradictory evidence actually strengthens preexisting beliefs.

In an Effort to Get His Sister Sharon to Vaccinate