What is an outcome of motivated reasoning in research?

Motivated reasoning refers to the cognitive process where individuals’ desires and emotions influence their interpretations and conclusions about information, often leading to biased outcomes. The tendency to confirm preexisting beliefs is a primary outcome of this phenomenon, as individuals may selectively gather and evaluate evidence in a manner that aligns with what they already believe to be true. This means that when conducting research, those engaged in motivated reasoning might disregard contrary evidence or interpret ambiguous information in a way that supports their existing views, rather than engaging in a neutral or objective examination of the data.

In contrast, impartial examination of hypotheses would require a neutral assessment of all evidence, which motivated reasoning undermines. Acceptance of challenging viewpoints is also unlikely, as this would involve modifying one's beliefs based on evidence contrary to preexisting notions. Similarly, increased collaborative efforts typically suggest openness and a willingness to consider diverse perspectives, which is often compromised by motivated reasoning. Therefore, confirmation of preexisting beliefs truly captures the essence of motivated reasoning's impact on research outcomes.