The Dynamics of Motivated Beliefs

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2020
Volume: 110
Issue: 2
Pages: 337-61

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

A key question in the literature on motivated reasoning and self-deception is how motivated beliefs are sustained in the presence of feedback. In this paper, we explore dynamic motivated belief patterns after feedback. We establish that positive feedback has a persistent effect on beliefs. Negative feedback, instead, influences beliefs in the short run, but this effect fades over time. We investigate the mechanisms of this dynamic pattern, and provide evidence for an asymmetry in the recall of feedback. Finally, we establish that, in line with theoretical accounts, incentives for belief accuracy mitigate the role of motivated reasoning.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:110:y:2020:i:2:p:337-61
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29