Dogmatism

[Page 208]Dogmatism refers to a closed-minded cognitive style that is often associated with authoritarianism and intolerance. It is opposed to open-mindedness: a willingness to listen to and consider a variety of viewpoints, even those that contradict one’s own prior opinion. Dogmatic individuals are convinced that their attitudes and beliefs are correct and derived from authority, and see little value in arguments or sources that challenge these beliefs. As well as being a personality trait, dogmatism is a temporary state. Situational conditions can move people in the direction of being more or less dogmatic. This entry briefly introduces dogmatism as it has been described and studied in political psychology.