A plea for help for some research

**Posts:** 3 · by **Ubermauru** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:13 am

Hello,

I am currently doing research for an medium-to-long term art project (oddly enough) concerning the topic of "self-inflicted propaganda" including among many other things such interesting aspects as cognitive dissonance, information-related echo-chambers and the like and am just about to start tackling the psychological side of things.

However, since I have got no up-to-date educational background in psychology whatsoever (at least nothing one can call even remotely professional) I am at a loss for terminological "punch-phrases" to start my research with and was hoping some of you fine gentle(wo)-men might be able to help me out there.

I am looking specifically for recommendations on literature and/or research papers on the following topic(s) (for reasons of making at least some sense, divided into points of interest).

1) The phenomenon of individuals or groups of people "avoiding" to fact-check key-principles of their moral code, ideology, even down to common knowledge and the "bubble-effect" (informational autism?) resulting from this behavior. Are there psychological causes?

2) Expanding on 1: Assuming there are, possible differences between individuals with auto-didactic tendencies and those leaning towards learning from authoritarian structures (school, teachers, university, ...). Are there even psychological backgrounds to explore or should I rather ask in a forum on Pedagogy?

3) Symptoms of "information-overload", i.e.: stress, anxiety, isolationism. Are there "clinical cases"?

4) Expanding on this, is there a (pro)-"active" psychological component (something like a defense reflex of the ego) to all of this? Is there a proper term for it?

I am more than willing to dig myself into heaps of books on this so do not be afraid of pointing out "complicated stuff" or lengthy, theoretical material. Time is of little concern, really.

I also am excited to hear opinions stating that there is "no real psychological relation whatsoever" or that this kind of thematic relationship is uncommon and that I should rather try asking at place XY because this entire matter has nothing to with clinical psychology and everything to do with neurology (if the two topics can even be seperated by now), sociology, pedagogy and/or philosophy.

Thank You in advance and please excuse my intrusion if I indeed picked the wrong place to ask. Every little bit helps, always.

Furthermore, excuse me if I am making little to no sense. Getting a grip on how to properly ask questions regarding these/this subject(s) seems to be part of the exercise...

**Posts:** 14140 · by **jurplesman** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 4:41 am

It seems to be more in tune with philosophy than psychology. You need to define your terms before you can ask questions about its "psychological" aspects. For instance: what is or do you mean by: "people "avoiding" to fact-check key-principles of their moral code, ideology, even down to common knowledge and the "bubble-effect" (informational autism?) resulting from this behavior. Are there psychological causes? "

What is the problem?

**Posts:** 3 · by **Ubermauru** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 5:16 am

You need to define your terms before you can ask questions about its "psychological" aspects.

That's exactly the thing. Since I have got very little background in psychology I am probing for "keywords" (or terms as you call them) which could be applied so I can read up on them.

What I mean by
"people "avoiding" to fact-check key-principles of their moral code, ideology, even down to common knowledge and the "bubble-effect" (informational autism?) resulting from this behavior. Are there psychological causes? ":

I am wondering if there is a "name" or definition for the barrier in people which prevents/inhibits them in furthering their own knowledge (by reading up, watching reports, discussions, etc.) due to reasons or fears of questioning their own resolve in the matter.
They instead prefer to live and act out of a comfortable zone of their current knowledge which they deem proficient enough although it might have become outdated or obsolete.
Any further information disrupting this status quo is deemed alien and met with soft denial or avoidance.

Case A:
A group discusses a topic. Person X professes its knowledge on the matter. X in fact repeats its point even after the group has established they understand and that there is "more" to it. X becomes increasingly vocal and the discussion never goes further because it has suddenly become a contest and X feels aggravated.

Case B:
Person/Group Y argues a position. It is clear that the position is "shaky", However, Y continues to argue the fact for sake of not appearing "weak" and because stopping to argue it would mean a discomforting moment of self-reflection.

Case C:
Person A leaves the room/switches the channel. This information is currently too much for A although he/she is able to process it without any problems. A does not necessarily think the information would be wrong, but feels uncomfortable with the fact that it might complicate things.

Case D:
X knows there are hungry people in Z. He never bothers to find out where in Z this happens or why. X would still use Z to establish his position.

**Posts:** 14140 · by **jurplesman** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 7:06 am

I still have no idea what you are talking about. You seem to be describing events without any theme. It is like describing a scene watching people walking in a street without telling us why you are watching, what the problem is or why we are watching this. Is there supposed to be a problem or a message? Is it about yourself or other people?

Leaving the room, switching channels, appearing weak. What's the connection? What room, what channel, what information, why being weak? I can see a string of English words, but I don't see a verb, or grammar, or meaning. It may not even be English.

**Posts:** 3 · by **Ubermauru** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 12:12 pm

You got me irritated now. I am terribly sorry you can't read English anymore.

Please let me know if you are actually replying here to help (in which case I'll try to be even more specific) or just posting to state that you don't know what I'm talking about.

A plea for help for some research

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