CogniqOS
Subscribe

TRAP #079 ·VOL I The Individual · Decision-Making & Choice

Reactive Devaluation

Discovered by Lee Ross, 1991

If the other side suggested it, something must be wrong with it.
Category: BiasEvidence: ContestedUniversality: ModerateTier 2Type: Patternⓘ what these mean

This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.

Definition

The tendency to devalue a proposal or idea simply because it originated from an antagonist or opponent. A peace offer from an enemy is assumed to be a trap; the same offer from an ally would be welcomed.

When it shows up

Negotiations with opponents. Any proposal received from a source you distrust. Evaluating advice from an ideological opposite. Rejecting an offer because of who is making it.

Failure mode

The merit of a proposal is discounted purely because of its source. The same proposal from a trusted source would be accepted. The evaluator cannot separate the content from its origin.

Countermeasure

Write the proposal's terms out without the source attached. Evaluate the terms in isolation. Then re-attach the source and notice what changed in your rating. That delta is the reactive devaluation.

Related traps

Also connected in the map2 more, locked

Credit & first seen

DiscoveredIdentified by Lee Ross and Constance Stillinger in research on conflict negotiation (1991).

Also revealed

Want the full correction for Reactive Devaluation?

This entry has the mechanism and countermeasure. The full write-up - real cases, sources, the audit prompt - comes later.

Entry #79 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon