So what's a good approach to take when we shape our beliefs? Theodore Schick and Lewis Vaughn proposed the following four-step method that can be quite useful:` 1) State the claim. 2) Examine the evidence for the claim. 3) Consider alternative hypotheses. 4) Evaluate the reasonableness of each hypothesis.
Since we also have a tendency to pay attention to information that supports our belief, we start to think it has considerable support.
One of the most critical factors in improving how we form beliefs and make decisions is to be on the lookout for competing explanations.