ISLA IPGT 23823

Motivated Thinking

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The course “Motivated Reasoning” explores the psychological processes that bias perception, reasoning, and decision-making in organizational contexts. Integrated into the curriculum of the Postgraduate Program in Social and Organizational Psychology, this unit examines key theoretical models and empirical evidence—such as cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, attribution errors, and self-affirmation dynamics—with a focus on their application to Human Resource Management. Its scope includes recruitment and selection, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and organizational change. This unit is highly relevant for developing critical skills in identifying and mitigating cognitive bias, supporting ethical, evidence-based, and inclusive HR practices.
• ProgramaProgramme

  Foundations of Motivated Reasoning Key concepts such as confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and rationalization. Applications in HRM Impacts on recruitment, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, organizational change, and HR policies. Perception and Selective Attention Cognitive filters, heuristics, and biases affecting candidate and employee assessments. Motivation and Decision-Making Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on perception and organizational decisions. Bias Mitigation Strategies Evidence-based techniques to foster ethical decision-making and organizational fairness.
• ObjectivosObjectives

  To develop knowledge of psychological mechanisms that bias perception and decision-making in organizational contexts. To foster skills to identify and mitigate cognitive biases, including confirmation bias, cognitive dissonance, and rationalization. To enable students to apply theoretical models and scientific evidence in the critical analysis of HRM practices, enhancing competencies in ethical, reflective, and data-driven decision-making.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press. Heider, F. (1958). The psychology of interpersonal relations. Wiley. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Kunda, Z. (1990). The case for motivated reasoning. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 480–498.  Steele, C. M. (1988). The psychology of self-affirmation: Sustaining the integrity of the self. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 21, pp. 261–302). Academic Press.  
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The course was delivered online, using a learner-centered approach focused on autonomy and critical integration of knowledge. Due to limited time, sessions prioritized explanatory examples and encouraged students to conduct independent research. Each student was invited to explore scientific literature and produce a critical review on motivated reasoning applied to HRM domains of their choice, fostering active knowledge construction. The digital platform served as a repository for teaching materials and student submissions, ensuring accessibility and organization.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Anual
• ECTS

  2
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não