The Psychology of Belief

"Why do we believe in a political party or a political leader? How do conspiracy theories spread? How do we understand denial of climate change science or vaccine hesitancy? What drives extremist beliefs? This vital and timely new textbook brings together the most compelling research in psychological science to shed light on how we form beliefs and evaluate those of others; why it is that beliefs are often resistant to conflicting evidence; and when and how beliefs are susceptible to change. Bringing together a wide range of theory and empirical evidence from cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, Nancy Kim presents an engaging overview of the field and its implications for a wide range of beliefs - from moral, political, religious, and superstitious beliefs to beliefs about our selves and our own potential. The intriguing studies discussed demonstrate how many psychological factors contribute to belief, including memory, reasoning, judgment, decision-making, emotion, social cognition, and cognitive development. With its questioning approach the book encourages a clear and critical understanding of the subject and, importantly, the reader's own beliefs. With thoughtful questions and a range of cross-cultural case studies, this is an ideal overview for students of psychology and any other readers interested in the psychology behind belief"--