Belief System Dynamics

Can we understand belief systems as systems?

Figure 2 from Brandt, Sibley, & Osborne, 2019

Figure 2 from Brandt, Sibley, & Osborne, 2019

The typical approach in the attitudes literature is to study one attitude at a time. However, our work on worldview conflict shows that people’s attitudes and values are interdependent. What happens when we treat an attitude as interdependent, rather than as a separate entity disconnected from other attitudes and values? Our research program on belief system dynamics does just this. In particular, We explore how the connections between people’s attitudes and values – their belief systems – affect how attitudes develop and change.

We use multiple methods, including computational models, experiments, panel studies, and their combinations to document belief system dynamics. This work gives us insight into the central attitudes of societal conflict, the most effective routes to persuasion, and inspiration for new approaches to promote democratic resiliance.