Why facts don’t change our minds but framing does

By stewartb Intuitively ‘facts’ should form a key part of informing, rebutting and changing views, but what impact do ‘facts’ actually have on voting intentions? There are many studies of human behaviour in elections in western democracies – albeit mostly focused on the USA – that, worryingly, question the role played by ‘facts’. As one example, a review of some leading academic studies published in New Yorker magazine in 2017 had this headline: ‘Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds – New discoveries about the human mind show the limitations of reason.’ Here are some extracts to give a sense of its content: I’d … Continue reading Why facts don’t change our minds but framing does

U-turning on Trump – Why was John Swinney singled out by the BBC in this manner?

By Anonymous Yesterday MSM Monitor tweeted this observation that he saw on the BBC website via various headlines by the BBC upon Labour & also on the FM John Swinney in response to Trump winning. MSM Monitor Tweeted this: “Why was John Swinney singled out by the BBC in this manner”? “Welsh FM Eluned Morgan once described Trump as “off the wall crazy”. Not mentioned in her headline” “Keir Starmer once called Trump’s comments “absolutely repugnant”. Not mentioned in his headline” “Starmer and Morgan are also referred to by their title. Our FM is referred to by his surname” Then … Continue reading U-turning on Trump – Why was John Swinney singled out by the BBC in this manner?