http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2013/06/0 ... =20130603=These findings are remarkable given that people's opinions often become more extreme, not less extreme, when given an opportunity to reflect on them.
For example, a classic study in social psychology found that presenting people with evidence that challenged their views concerning capital punishment made them more likely to endorse their original position, not less. Similarly, Fernbach and colleagues found that asking people to "write down all the reasons you have for your position" was nothing like explanation when it came to moderating beliefs — only those who explained adopted less extreme positions.