This cognitive bias can push people into more extreme ideological positions | BPS

Since we’re a social species, it is intelligent for us to convince ourselves of irrational beliefs if holding those beliefs increases our status and well-being. Dan Kahan calls this behavior “identity-protective cognition” (IPC).

Rather, people care about their groups, whether those be racial, regional, religious, or political. The political scientist Don Kinder summarizes the findings like this: “In matters of public opinion, citizens seem to be asking themselves not ‘What’s in it for me?’ but rather ‘What’s in it for my group?’

“left-wingers are more motivated by creativity, curiosity, and diversity of experience, whereas right-wingers are more motivated by self-control, norm attainment, and rule-following.”

systematic biases in human decision-making (Kahneman, 2011; Kahneman et al., 1982).