The Social Cost of Changing Your Mind

Politicians and public figures are often ostracized for changing their minds (think: “flip-flop”). However, having a change of opinion part of being human. Diane Ravitch former U.S. assistant secretary of education famously changed her opinion on the efficacy of standardized testing. She was an outspoken supporter of “No Child Left Behind,” and has since changed her position and is advocating against this program. She is currently a research professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. Kathryn Schulz wrote a book about this topic called,   “Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error.” She explores why there are such high stakes when it comes to forming (and reforming) our opinions.