@article{SchwardmannvanderWeeleTripodi, author = {Schwardmann, Peter and van der Weele, Jo{\"e}l J. and Tripodi, Egon}, title = {Self-Persuasion: Evidence From Field Experiments at International Debating Competitions}, series = {American Economic Review}, volume = {112}, journal = {American Economic Review}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1257/aer.20200372}, pages = {1118 -- 1146}, abstract = {Laboratory evidence shows that when people have to argue for a given position, they persuade themselves about the position's factual and moral superiority. Such self-persuasion limits the potential of communication to resolve conflict and reduce polarization. We test for this phenomenon in a field setting, at international debating competitions that randomly assign experienced and motivated debaters to argue one side of a topical motion. We find self-persuasion in factual beliefs and confidence in one's position. Effect sizes are smaller than in the laboratory, but robust to a one-hour exchange of arguments and a tenfold increase in incentives for accuracy.}, language = {en} }