Brain Scans Show Extremists Don't Use Reason

[Xiahou]

Though, thinking logically, it might not necessary show a complete lack of reason in decision-making, since one thinks about his or her position only once in a while. For example, the sheep in question might already got an idea of what's his/her position on abortion rights is, and "reason" is not used when answering that question to others, rather, "conviction" is "used" to confirm the position with confidence -- emotions. Even though "reason" (messed up as it may) was used when thinking about that position beforehand.

Indeed, I don't feel the need to undergo some internal idealogical crisis every single time I'm presented with an opposing argument. I arrive at most of my positions after much consideration and wouldn't expect a single statement to cause me to rehash everything that I've already worked out.

I think, based on the article, that this study was a pointless exercise.

This will only interest those of you who accept scientific research as a credible means of obtaining knowledge. And having read the results, I don't expect that will be anything like all of you. The Backroom is Partisan Central, after all.

Scientific research is great and all- but I don't see how this proves anything significant.

Researchers asked staunch party members from both sides to evaluate information that threatened their preferred candidate prior to the 2004 Presidential election. The subjects' brains were monitored while they pondered.

I'd be curious to know what "threatening information" was revealed.