Free Essay

Theory of Knowledge Guide

In:

Submitted By kenbaby137
Words 1530
Pages 7
“What I tell you three times is true.” (Lewis Carroll) Might this formula – or a more sophisticated version of it – actually determine what we believe to be true?

Repetition is our way of learning knowledge. Repetition is drilling something to memory, reinforcing the idea in our heads. It is the key to reflexive use (use without conscious thought). Your mind “learns” by repetition and reinforcement. Repetition and its effects on what we believe to be true, play a major role in the way that we accumulate general knowledge.

The formula implies that repetition is equal to truth, when really repetition is just repetition. Repetition does not make a statement the truth. But a statement, if repeated often enough, can come to be accepted as truth. This leads us to the question whether a lie can be accepted as truth. From the standpoint of logic, the number of times an incorrect fact is repeated is irrelevant. It is still false. But research has shown that a statement, even an incorrect fact, if repeated often enough, can be accepted as truth. This paper will examine several research studies, influencing variables, and examples from everyday life to identify this occurrence. In addition to this, the possible effects of repetition will be discussed as well.

One of the simplest ways to show how repetition causes a statement to be accepted as truth is gossip. First, someone tells a friend a statement, which can be true or false. This friend tells another friend, who tells another friend, and soon this statement is known by everyone, and considered by everyone to be a fact. The repetition of this statement causes it to be thought of as true, and this belief increases with every whisper. This can be a problem, as statements which are completely false can be willingly accepted to be true by the general population.

The phenomenon has been identified by several psychologists and philosophers. In Straight and Crooked Thinking, R.H. Thouless states that: “If statements are made again and again in a confident manner, then their hearers will tend to believe them quite independently of their soundness and of the presence or absence of evidence for their truth” (Thouless, 1974, p.111). Similarly, in Nietzsche’s On Truth and Falsity in an Extramoral Sense, Nietzsche asserts that “truth” is a metaphor fixed by repetitive usage. According to Nietzsche, truth comes from repetition.

Many research studies have illustrated that there is a tendency to believe statements based on repetition instead of on actual evidence. This phenomenon has several names. The mere exposure effect is when the repeated exposure of an individual to a stimulus results in the enhancement of their attitude towards that stimulus (Zajonc 1968). The repetition-validity effect is defined as an increase in the belief of truth due to repeated exposure. The frequency-validity effect is the idea that the rated truth of a stimulus is determined by how often that stimulus is repeated (Brown & Nix, 1996). The repetition effect is the notion that repeated statements are rated to be truer than new ones (Bacon, 1979). Finally, the truth effect is defined as the repetition-induced increase in judged validity (Message Repetition, website).

The philosopher Francis Bacon suggested that two mechanisms operate the truth effect: recognition and familiarity. When the individual recognizes those statements as having been repeated before, those statements increase in validity. Familiarity gained by repetition also increases validity. The first time we see or hear something, it is new to us, and unfamiliar. But the second time there is recognition. After that, there is familiarity.

Emotion can influence our perception of truth. We may distrust some information when we hear it for the first time, but when we hear it repeatedly from different sources, we may eventually accept it. Furthermore, when a statement is repeated by an authoritative source, we think less to question it. We find it easier to believe it to be true. In the research studies, it was found that participants agreed with sources of higher reputation and authority, even when they disagreed with the information being given to them by these sources (Hovland and Weiss 1951).

As I have discussed in the previous section, many research studies have shown that repetition inclines us to believe a statement to be true, even if the statement is false. There are several instances in which these effects occur in everyday life.

Eyewitness reports are an example of an everyday situation in which these effects can occur. The “misinformation effect” occurs when misleading information is given to a witness after the event in question has taken place. While eyewitnesses initially possess memory for the event, the false information they receive can alter or impair their memory, causing them to report what is untrue. The more that the repetition of this false information is repeated, the more adamant the eyewitness becomes about the truth of that information (Loftus & Hoffman, 1989).

Repetition is one of the most effective marketing strategies to get people to purchase certain products. Consumers are subject to so many ads each day that they cannot help but become influenced. Slogans or jingles are repeatedly drummed into our minds. In this way, ads effectively influence our perceptions of truth. For example, certain ads stress that their products can remove cellulite and stretch marks. This is a false statement because cellulite and stretch marks can never be removed using creams; they can only be lightened. But since the ad is repeated so many times, consumers believe the statement to be true.

Similarly, this repetition equals truth effect can be shown in politics. Throughout history, dictators and leaders have used propaganda to influence people. Propaganda is an example of a statement becoming true by repetition. In Hitler’s Mein Kampf, Hitler describes the principles of effective propaganda: it must repeat those points over and over again until the public believes it. The principles behind propaganda are the same principles of mind control, hypnotic suggestion, and mental programming: distraction and repetition. With propaganda, distraction draws attention away from information that is true and directs attention to information that is false. Repetition of the false information imbeds it in your subconscious mind so that your acceptance of its truth becomes a conditioned response. You accept this information as true without thinking whenever it is presented to you again.

Religion is also based on this very notion of the truth being repeated so often that one just simply accepts it as truth. In the Bible, certain ideas are repeated. For example, the birth of Jesus is retold by several of his disciples. The story of his crucifixion is also told several times. In Sunday School, children are taught to memorize Bible verses. One verse I remember is “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.” Throughout my years of Sunday School, I have repeated this verse many times. Never once have I questioned whether it is true or not.

In conclusion, the formula does determine what we believe to be true. However, we must realize that repeating a fact does not actually make it true. It only makes it perceived to be true. It has been demonstrated in the laboratory and occurs in our everyday lives. Our logic, reasoning and emotions are influencing variables in what we believe to be true. What we must remember is that repetition is just reinforcement. We should not mistakenly believe it to be the truth. Many problems can occur from this, because the statement may in fact be a lie. Problems that can occur include memory impairments and the distribution of false information.

References

Print

Bacon, F.T. (1979), “Credibility of repeated statements: Memory for trivia”. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 5, 241-252.

Brown, A.S. & Nix, L.A. (1996), “Turning lies into truths: Referential validation of Falsehoods”. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 22, 1088-1100.

Hitler, Adolf (1999), Mein Kampf. trans. Ralph Manheim. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston.

Hovland, C.I. & Weiss, W. (1951), The Influence of Source Credibility on Communication Effectiveness. Public Opinion Quarterly, 15, 635-650.

Loftus, E.F. & Hoffman, H.G. (1989), “Misinformation and memory: The creation of new Memories”. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 118, 100-104.

Nietzsche, Friedrich (1964), "On Truth and Falsity in an Extramoral Sense," trans. Maximilian Mugge (1908), in Oscar Levy, ed., The Complete Works of Friedrich Nietzsche, vol. 2. Russell & Russell: New York, 173-192.

Schwartz, M. (1982), “Repetition and rated truth value of statements”. American Journal of Psychology, 95, 393-407.

Thouless, R.H. (1974), Straight and Crooked Thinking. Suffolk, England: Chaucer Press.

Zajonc, R. B. (1968), Attitudinal effects of mere exposure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Monograph Supplement, 9, 1-27.

Internet

Gilman, Diane. “Does Repeating an Incorrect Fact Make It True?” http://www.ycp.edu/besc/Journal2002/paper%204.htm January 5, 2003.

Hypnosis and “Reefer Madness”. http://www.mapinc.org/propaganda/propaganda/reefermindcontrol.htm January 27, 2003.

Message Repetition. http://www.ciadvertising.org/studies/student/99_fall/phd/sejin/theory/low.html January 27, 2003.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Development

...Sinclair M. (2007) Editorial: A guide to understanding theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Evidence Based Midwifery 5(2): 39 A guide to understanding theoretical and conceptual frameworks Mentioning ‘theoretical framework’ or ‘conceptual framework’ to midwives is likely to be met with either silence, a shrug of the shoulders or an arched eyebrow that says ‘I know what you are talking about, but please don’t ask me too much about it’. These reactions are understandable, but I hope that this brief editorial will help novice researchers, educationalists and clinical midwives to grasp the essence of theoretical frameworks and their potential contribution to midwifery practice. A theoretical framework can be thought of as a map or travel plan. When planning a journey in unfamiliar country, people seek as much knowledge as possible about the best way to travel, using previous experience and the accounts of others who have been on similar trips. ‘Survival advice’ and ‘top tips’ enable them to ascertain the abilities, expectations and equipment that may help them to have a successful journey with good outcomes, to achieve their objectives and return to base safely. At the start of any research study, it is important to consider relevant theory underpinning the knowledge base of the phenomenon to be researched. By addressing simple questions, the researcher can begin to develop a loosely-structured theoretical framework to guide them. The following questions have...

Words: 986 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Keep It Up

...paper March 21, 2014 March 21, 2014 Professor Darius Daniel Villanueva It is very significant and important for us to gauge or determine how much, us, students have learned after a psychology class. It enables us to gain knowledge that can be applied in the future, giving us more opportunities in succeeding our goals. This learning had an impact in my life, making me more of a responsible one. Comparing my knowledge before and after, my knowledge before is that I have very limited information in my mind like I don't have enough information in order to cope up with the waves of lessons our instructor about to tackle. It's like guessing in an "On-the-spot exam", not having any specific questions in mind to guide our learning though our instructor is preparing learning opportunities. While my knowledge after class, as Instructor guided the process with feedback and mini-lectures we continue applying our knowledge skills after clarification and feedback. We are able to understand and gain ideas in class and on later events these gained ideas will be our piece of information in guiding actions. I also learned a variety of writing elements such as written reports, reflection papers, news sharing and principles to guide my future writing. I learned how to better edit, read, and compose documents. All exercises were useful and helped highlight key writing concepts. This class teaches me a skill and puts it into practice. It is very useful for us students transitioning...

Words: 982 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Motivation and Empowerment Paper

...Motivation and Empowerment Paper CJA/474 Motivation and Empowerment Paper Introduction The criminal justice field is one that centers on motivation and empowerment amongst employees. These are concepts that not only guide, but also maintain constructive behaviors. Motivation and empowerment are that force every professional needs to preserve their goals and ambitions. This paper will provide three academic theories of motivation including an explanation on each theory. It will also define empowerment and its components. Next, it will compare and contrast motivation and empowerment. In this paper there will also be an evaluation on the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization. Lastly this paper will outline the theory of Transformational Leadership and contrast the roles of motivation and empowerment in leadership style. Define and state at least three (3) academic theories of motivation In any organization the key role of managers is the motivation of their personnel. This can be done in many different ways. This section will discuss three academic theories on how to properly motivate employees. The first theory is Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. This theory states that certain needs have to be met before an individual will work towards fulfilling other needs. The first set of needs that need to be met our survival needs; they include things such as food water and air. Until these needs are met an individual cannot focus...

Words: 1932 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Nursing Theory Research Paper

...A nursing theory is a structured framework of concepts and purposes intended to guide the nursing practice. Nursing theories are important in nursing practice as they allow the nurses to use their critical thinking and analytical skills to improve concept comprehension. The use of nursing theories in the practice can bring new knowledge and can influence the future nursing practice. Nursing theories developed to describe the nursing care, guide the nursing practice and provide a foundation for clinical decision making. The foundation of the nursing theory was placed by Florence Nightingale. The first nursing theory established in the late 1800s when there was a strong emphasis on the nursing education took place. There are several nursing...

Words: 490 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mgmt311

...MGMT311: Management of Change Reflective Learning Journal ENTRY 1 |Name of Organisation (case study)|Apple Inc. | |Describe the industry and |Apple Inc is an American multinational corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics, | |organization in which this change|computer software, and personal computers. The company’s best-known hardware products include Macintosh | |has occurred / is occurring |computer, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. (Waters 2014) | |Specific details of change |Apple Computers was originally a highly successful manufacturer of innovative desktop computers during the| | |1980s. However, during 1990s, Apple lost their market share because of the dominance of Microsoft’s | | |Windows operating system. Therefore, in 2000s, Apple made a move into new markets. First, Apple moved into| | |MP3 players with its iPods, then moved into music retailing with the opening of iTunes store, continue to | | |the launching of iPhone in 2007 and iPad tablet in 2010. (Myers, Hulks and Wiggins 2012, p.181). Besides, | | |Apple has also gone through both management changes and structural changes due to...

Words: 2099 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Nursing

...literacy are more likely to miss preventive measures, which will most likely require rehospitalization. It is imperative for nurses to avoid jargons and use simple language to get the message across. While Henderson’s theory supports nursing as a profession in assisting patients who are well or sick and ensuring 14 basic needs, Orem’s theory is more contemporary where a nurse engages patient in plan of care and guides the patient to be self-dependent in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Orem’s theory supports that client has the primary responsibility of personal health, with the nurse acting as a guide. Furthermore as long as self-care abilities equal or exceed self-care demands, such patients have no need for nursing ( Hohdorf,2010). However, if self –care deficit is recognized ,nurses should individualize care based on patient situation and must clearly communicate in order to improve and coordinate patient care. In order to improve and coordinate patient care, decisions made by nurses must be individualized to the patient situation, information collected by nurses must be clearly communicated to other health care providers and nurses must actively intervene and suppor Hohdorf, M. (2010). Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory in Ingolstadt -- an approach to practice development in nursing care. Self-Care, Dependent-Care & Nursing, 18(1), 19-25. is approximated that there are 90 million people in the United States who cannot read...

Words: 2388 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Transformation Change

...organization's design elements • Change demands a new organizing paradigm (gamma change) • Change is driven by senior executives and line management (envisioning, energizing, and enabling) • Change involves significant learning - Must learn how to enact the new behaviors Intergrated Strategic Change - Extends traditional OD process into content oriented discipline of strategic management • Key Features: - Strategic Orientation - Stratic change capability - Individual and organizations are integrated into the process • Applications Stages (Strategic analysis, strategic choice, and design and implement the strategic change plan) Organization Design - Configures the organizations structure, work design, HR practice, and management to guide members' behavior • Conceptual Framework ( Strategy, Structure, Work Design, HR Practices, and Management / Information Systems) • Application Stages (Clarify design focus, designing the organization, and implementing the design Culture Change • Concept of Organization Culture (artifacts, norms, values, basic assumptions) • Organization culture and organization effectiveness - Culture affects performance through its influence on the organization's ability to implement change • Diagnosing Organization Culture - Requires uncovering and understanding what characterize an organizations culture • The Behavioral Approach - Emphasizes surface level of organization cultures (Pattern of behaviors that...

Words: 842 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ib Biology Guide

...Biology guide First assessment 2016 Biology guide First assessment 2016 Diploma Programme Biology guide Published February 2014 Published on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Organization, a not-for-profit educational foundation of 15 Route des Morillons, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland by the International Baccalaureate Organization (UK) Ltd Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate Cardiff, Wales CF23 8GL United Kingdom Website: www.ibo.org © International Baccalaureate Organization 2014 The International Baccalaureate Organization (known as the IB) offers four high-quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools, aiming to create a better, more peaceful world. This publication is one of a range of materials produced to support these programmes. The IB may use a variety of sources in its work and checks information to verify accuracy and authenticity, particularly when using community-based knowledge sources such as Wikipedia. The IB respects the principles of intellectual property and makes strenuous efforts to identify and obtain permission before publication from rights holders of all copyright material used. The IB is grateful for permissions received for material used in this publication and will be pleased to correct any errors or omissions at the earliest opportunity. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted...

Words: 43724 - Pages: 175

Premium Essay

Learning Theories

...Learning Theories Learning Organizations & Effectiveness (OMM 625) Tyron Woodard February 27, 2012 Learning Theories The two articles I selected speaks about learning in a classroom setting (group discussions) and learning as an individual and collective learning in organizations. The first article speaks about knowledge being uncertain, and that the learning process of knowledge is also the construction process of knowledge. This article describes students as the main body of learning activity and they construct knowledge on their own initiatives, while teachers are the helpers and the drivers for students constructing knowledge. This type of theory is the constructivism learning theory which is the further development as behaviorism arrives at cognitivism. In behaviorism learning could be considered to have occurred if there is an objectively verifiable change. The article speaks about how students enter the classroom with previous learning experiences, and they use those experiences in their daily life. Even though the students enter the classroom with their previous experiences, they seem to form and assume based on their previous experiences. However, the article speaks on how teachers should be the designer of teaching environment, the guider for the students learning and the academic consultant for students. Therefore this new teaching mode takes students as the center, under the guidance of teachers. Therefore, teaching should take students previous...

Words: 615 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Orem Theory

...How Theory Affects Education: A Microscope Perspective Elizabeth Wiedman Chamberlain College of Nursing NR 501: Theoretical Basis of Advanced Nursing Practice Summer Semester 2011 How Theory Affects Education: A Microscope Perspective Nursing is a topic that covers a great deal of ground. It takes years to gain experience in nursing. The study of nursing theories helps one to take advantage of the experiences of others. The best way to examine something is under a microscope because it focuses one closely on the topic at hand. It can also show smaller parts of the whole. The microscope perspective is used to describe how theory functions in the nursing profession and in nursing education. It will also explain how nursing theory describes the nursing profession using this perspective. This perspective is important because it can help one to take a closer look at smaller parts of nursing. Examples are provided of how the Self- Care Deficit Theory views education from this perspective. The Self-Care Deficit Theory was chosen because it good framework for nursing school curriculum and helps to guide the author’s present nursing practice. Theory as a Microscope of Nursing Nursing theories contain concepts that take a closer look at the features of nursing related to nurses and clients. The relationships between and among the concepts form the structure of the theory. Theories are formed after concepts are named and validation occurs. Theory takes a closer look at the...

Words: 2933 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

English101

...Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions. The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. Importance of Theory A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered. The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power. The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways: 1. An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically. 2. The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses...

Words: 2127 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Learning Theories

...Learning Theories Learning Organizations & Effectiveness (OMM 625) Tyron Woodard February 27, 2012 Teamwork and collaboration between all health professionals results in high quality clinical care, and increased job satisfaction for staff (Begley, 2009). When team members do not agree on the same goal, conflicts will arise. It is important for healthcare managers to control and management all conflicts within the organization. The key to successful conflict management is for both sides to try and solve the problem instead of trying to prove the other side wrong. In the case study presented, Nurse B voices concerns about working with fellow staff members of the surgical team. The atmosphere and moral for the team is steadily declining. In addition the job satisfaction and passion to go to work has also been impacted. In order for a team to be effective and provide quality care, the atmosphere of the team needs to be welcomed and appreciated. Better outcomes will be achieved when team members perceive supportive team atmosphere and an empowering team contact with clear and jointly developed goals The two articles I selected speaks about learning in a classroom setting (group discussions) and learning as an individual and collective learning in organizations. The first article speaks about knowledge being uncertain, and that the learning process of knowledge is also the construction process of knowledge. This article describes students as the main...

Words: 779 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Current and Future Nursing Models

...Current and Future Nursing Models That Guides My Nursing Practice Leila Pinter Concordia University Nursing Theory MSN 834 Dr. Tracy Shannon February 15, 2015 Current and Future Nursing Models That Guides My Nursing Practice Nursing theories are what we base our practice on. It is not only the basis for our practice but also patient care, nursing research, education, and personal and professional development. It allows us to understand and analyze our practice, draw inspiration from them, and guide us with those tools to improve patient outcomes. I align myself most closely with Patricia Benner’s Model From Novice to Expert. The concept of Benner’s theory states that you acquire knowledge and skills over time with practice and experience. Current Model Current Practice I recently left my position as an emergency room nurse and now practice as a case manager for a health insurance company. My roles as a nurse have changed over the years, and prior to leaving the emergency department I was a charge nurse and the trauma coordinator. It was my job in both of those positions to be a leader, mentor and resource person. I was usually the most experienced person in the department, therefore the person to assist when questions would come up or critical situations would arise. As the trauma coordinator, it was my job to know the ins and outs of the program and ensure we are following the recommended guidelines, and prepare for our certifications. I worked closely...

Words: 2692 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Marley

...permission. The underlying theory of project management is obsolete1 Lauri Koskela, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Gregory Howell, Lean Construction Institute Abstract In prior literature, it has been generally seen that there is no explicit theory of project management. We contend that it is possible to precisely point out the underlying theoretical foundation of project management as espoused in the PMBOK Guide by PMI and mostly applied in practice. This foundation can be divided into a theory of project and a theory of management. We link theories to the body of knowledge by comparing prescriptions derived from theory to prescriptions presented in the PMBOK. Secondly, we show, by a comparison to competing theories and by an analysis of anomalies (deviations from assumptions or outcomes as implied in the body of knowledge) observed in project management practice, that this foundation is obsolete and has to be substituted by a wider and more powerful theoretical foundation. Introduction In a recent report on the future of project management and its professionals (Project Management Institute 1999), several global trends, such as technological advancements and the accelerated global change, were identified, in relation to which project management can take a leading role in facilitating and enabling the changes involved. The report also contains, in an appendix, a concise study on the development of bodies of knowledge in the professions (Fugate &...

Words: 7447 - Pages: 30

Free Essay

Risk Management

...International Journal of Project Management 19 (2001) 79±87 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijproman Managing incomplete knowledge: Why risk management is not sucient Steven Pender * SMS Consulting Group, 4/60 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra, ACT, Australia Received 1 December 1998; received in revised form 8 July 1999; accepted 14 July 1999 Abstract The Project Management Institute's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) underpins many initiatives to improve project management practice. It is widely used for training and underpins the development of competency standards. Because of its fundamental importance, the PMBOK should be critically reviewed. This paper agues for an expansion of the PMBOK Guide's risk management knowledge area to include a wider perspective of incomplete knowledge. The PMBOK Guide deals with uncertainty through the traditional use of probability theory, however the underpinning assumptions of probability theory do not always apply in practice. Furthermore, probability-based risk management theory does not explain important aspects of observed project management practice. This paper discusses an expanded framework of incomplete knowledge, including: an expanded concept of uncertainty that acknowledges ignorance or surprise, where there is no prior knowledge of future states; imprecision arising from ambiguity (fuzziness) in project parameters and future states; and, human limitations in information processing. The paper shows the expanded framework...

Words: 5801 - Pages: 24