Effective outreach: evaluating "Idea innoculation"

Abstract

This research proposal outlines a study investigating the concept of “idea inoculation” within the Effective Altruism (EA) movement. Idea inoculation, in this context, suggests that exposure to poorly presented EA arguments might make individuals less receptive to the movement’s ideas in the future, even when presented more convincingly. The study proposes a randomized controlled trial where participants are exposed to strong, weak, or unrelated arguments before gauging their receptiveness to EA principles. Variables such as age, personality traits, and donation behavior are also considered. The study aims to determine whether idea inoculation is a significant factor within EA and, if so, how it might affect outreach strategies. – AI-generated abstract.