Human reasoning involves complex processes, which includes having to evaluate different pieces of information, overcoming bias, whilst measuring it against what we already know and our lived experience. Doing this takes considerable mental effort. In addition, our brains are hardwired to protect us, and this protective mechanism can lead to the reinforcing of opinions and beliefs even if they are outdated, misguided or contrary to new evidence or thinking.

There is substantial evidence that people will generally justify and reason their way to conclusions that they favour. 

In 1990, social psychologist, Ziva Kunda, proposed the idea that our motivation for a desired outcome has a significant impact on our reasoning. Her research showed that combined with emotional biases our motivations lead to justifications and decisions based on desirability rather than accurate evidence. Most people unless specifically trained are not impartial or neutral, they are biased information processors. Termed motivated reasoning, the phenomenon suggests that when people process information different motivations or goal seeking strategies are activated. 

Motivated reasoning is a psychological process that often occurs outside of our conscious awareness. It helps us to maintain our positive self-esteem as it reduces the mental discomfort that occurs when we are presented with unflattering or unpleasant information that contradicts our self-image, risks our psychological safety, mental wellbeing, or happiness.

Motivated reasoning shapes our internal narratives and informs our behaviours. For example, most of us would describe ourselves as being non-racist. Being labelled as a racist invite’s harsh criticism, disdain by others and produces significant mental discomfort. However, whilst many of us non-racist’s like to think if we observed an act of racism, we would intervene, the reality is very different.

Studies overwhelmingly show that most people default to by-standing, particularly if there are other observers of the incident in the vicinity. 

The reasoning behind why we may be motivated not to act are complex, however what is known is that ‘directional’ justification and reasoning come into play as opposed to ‘accuracy’ motivated reasoning. ‘Accuracy’ motivated individuals seek out and carefully consider as dispassionately as possible relevant information to reach a conclusion, whereas directionally motivated individuals seek out and process information that reinforces and confirms existing preferences despite information to the contrary.



The process of motivated reasoning is complex and can’t fully be eliminated. Being presented with data and facts will not by itself automatically change a person’s mind. However, with awareness of the reasoning underpinning our motivations, we can become more conscious, informed, and hopefully make better-quality decisions when faced with stuff that challenges our identity or worldview.