INSTRUCTIONS:
Why will people defend their beliefs even in the face of opposing evidence? Why will they come up with reasons to defend their internalized beliefs? Head-on attempts to persuade people to change their minds about their beliefs by providing them with science-based evidence that contradicts their beliefs sometimes “backfires”. This backfiring can range from ignoring scientific evidence to using that evidence to support their original beliefs. This has been shown to occur with topics as diversified as climate change, creationism, afterlife, religion (and the four horsemen) 15th and 16th century refusals to believe that the earth was not the center of the universe, etc. In addition, address how these beliefs relate to fighting evolution in the classroom. This question is asking about internalized beliefs in general. Be sure to include references for The Anatomy of Internalized Beliefs, Terror Management Theory, Big Ideas and Big Controversies and the Psychology and Scientific Thinking Chapter and Defeating Creationism in the Courtroom, But Not in the Classroom. In a 3-page double-spaced paper (minimum 3 pages-no maximum) (12 pt, New Times Roman font) write a well-documented (cite readings and lectures) essay that demonstrates in-depth knowledge from the course that bears on the topic of the need to protect and defend certain worldviews and how these relate to fighting evolution in the school system. Develop this theme in a logical and cohesive essay with your conclusions indicated at the end of the essay. List the citations of the lectures and readings that you used in crafting your essay.