Extremism and Social Learning
Journal of Legal Analysis, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2009
64 Pages Posted: 24 Jun 2008 Last revised: 1 Aug 2014
There are 4 versions of this paper
Extremism and Social Learning
Extremism and Social Learning
Extremism and Social Learning
Extremism and Social Learning
Date Written: June 19, 2007
Abstract
When members of deliberating groups speak with one another, their predeliberation tendencies often become exacerbated as their views become more extreme. The resulting phenomenon-group polarization-has been observed in many settings, and it bears on the actions of juries, administrative tribunals, corporate boards, and other institutions. Polarization can result from rational Bayesian updating by group members, but in many contexts, this rational interpretation of polarization seems implausible. We argue that people are better seen as Credulous Bayesians, who insufficiently adjust for idiosyncratic features of particular environments and put excessive weight on the statements of others in situations of (1) common sources of information; (2) highly unrepresentative group membership; (3) statements that are made to obtain approval; and (4) statements that are designed to manipulate. Credulous Bayesianism can produce extremism and significant blunders-the folly of crowds. We discuss the implications of Credulous Bayesianism for law and politics, including media policy and cognitive diversity on administrative agencies and courts.
Keywords: polarization, bayesians, behavior, credulous bayesianism, legal theory
JEL Classification: K00
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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