Author(s):
Being open-minded about controversial issues is essential for problem-solving and informed decision-making. We investigated the use of building “mental models” from conflicting viewpoints of controversial “socio-scientific” case studies as a tool to increase open-minded thinking among college students using an online modeling tool called Mental Modeler. In a randomized classroom field experiment, 1479 students in introductory courses at two US universities completed measures of perspective taking, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility at the beginning and end of a semester. We also measured moral conviction, moral absolutism, and assessments of attitudinally dissimilar others’ rationality on three controversial topics. Those in the experimental condition (N=636) completed three modeling assignments throughout the semester. While control participants decreased in perspective-taking, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility, experimental participants did not. Experimental participants also saw attitudinally dissimilar others as more rational. Results suggest that building mental models of opposing viewpoints prevented a decline in perspective-taking, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility. Our research has implications for successful learning and for promoting civil discourse beyond the classroom.
Coauthors
Steven Gray stevenallangray@gmail.com
