The Devil’s Advocate Principle (DAP)

Research* demonstrates that people who seek to find and construct “facts” in support of their preexisting opinions and biases** do not change or alter their position when confronted with concrete evidence to the contrary. Rather, they become more attached to and more vigorously defend their faulty opinion. It is only when they were asked to take on a “devil’s advocate” position and argue against their faulty position that they changes and moved to a more centrist position.

*A psychological experimental study done by market researchers – Scientific American, 2018

**Opinions that fly in the face of facts. Confirmation bias: paying special attention to and embracing arguments- not evidence- that supports ones own viewpoint.

To apply this principle, deliberately seek evidence opposing your position. Then, make a case for that opposing view.