Cognitive Biases Defined Simply

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Correction history

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1. 28 July 2026 · corrected by Emir Baycan

   Corrected the description of the 'backfire effect': the original claim that contradictory evidence reliably strengthens belief has largely failed to replicate in later, larger-scale studies (for example Wood and Porter, 2019), which found corrections usually work as intended and backfiring is an uncommon exception rather than the typical response. The Barber and Odean (2000, Journal of Finance) disposition-effect study (66,465 households, 1991-1996) was verified accurate and left in place.

   Before

   The article presented the backfire effect (corrections reliably strengthening the original belief) as an established, general finding.

   After

   Updated the description to reflect that later replications found backfiring to be rare, with corrections usually working as intended.

   Why: The original backfire-effect research has substantially failed to replicate at scale, a well-documented case in the replication-crisis literature. Correction updates the claim to the current evidence rather than adding new sources.

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Full contribution timeline

1. Correction 28 July 2026

   Emir Baycan: Corrected the description of the 'backfire effect': the original claim that contradictory evidence reliably strengthens belief has largely failed to replicate in later, larger-scale studies (for example Wood and Porter, 2019), which found corrections usually work as intended and backfiring is an uncommon exception rather than the typical response. The Barber and Odean (2000, Journal of Finance) disposition-effect study (66,465 households, 1991-1996) was verified accurate and left in place.

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