# 50. Self-delusion - the manipulation of self ## 50.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 50.5.8. The Backfire Effect It's a generally accepted fact that when our deepest convictions are challenged by contradictory evidence, our beliefs may actually get stronger. When people with opposing views interpret new information in a biased way, their views can move further apart. Research in Stanford observed a group of volunteers with strong views on the death penalty. They were given mixed experimental research on the use of the death penalty - both pro and con. After reading the research material, 23% of the group reported that their views had become even more extreme, no-one had changed sides. This hardening of attitudes happens despite the fact that we like to believe that we are quite rational. We would like to believe that when our beliefs are challenged with new facts, we alter our opinions and incorporate the new information into our thinking. But very often we do the opposite. This is an unfortunate and perverse aspect of human behaviour, because it has created an easy prey for the manipulator: A rational person can be radicalised and made to be seen as extremist by the intervention of a simple gain-saying challenge. This phenomenon is seen in many contexts, including the scientific, political communities, but also in inter-personal relationships.