If 5 out of 6 agree then why does the 1 disagree?

*sorry couldn't think of a better name*
At college my General Psychology professor said something that struck me as something very profound. He was talking about those gum commercials *well any commercial really* where they say 5 out of 6 dentists approve. It could apply to any claim really where a majority is claimed but I digress. He said, he wasn’t so much interested in what the 5 that approved of it had to say so much as why the 1 did not. I think there is great wisdom in that. I mean, all too often we allow ourselves to be swept up into majorities and largely ignore any possible criticism as irrelevant, often not even bothering to listen to what that criticism is. It has been my opinion for a while now that if you cannot at least understand the criticism of whatever you are most likely just ignorantly following the crowd. What do you think?

[edit on 7-7-2009 by Watcher-In-The-Shadows]

Because the one has a different knowledge base or experience maybe? Besides, if they said 6 out of 6, it wouldn't appear if they had actually done their due diligence?

reply to post by Watcher-In-The-Shadows

If 5 out of 6 agree they why does the 1 disagree?

The one that disagrees is likely the only one paying attention.

ANd i do agree with what you are saying...you will learn more from those you disagree with...i know i have.

I think it has to do with the fact that we're raised to believe that majority rules. and if you dare to be different, you're going to be attacked. It takes a lot of courage to stand up by yourself or for someone else if you see them being attacked verbally or physically. I'm sure the 8 out of 10 will agree with me... well maybe not here, it may be more like 6 out of 4.

because that 1 is into homeopathy

reply to post by ~Lucidity


Thank you for responding.
My classic cynical response about commercials in general would be "They had to make it sound good without getting too outragous.".
But more on subject. I wouldn't say that meant the person studied more, after all the person could be bullocks and being contrarian for the sake of it *people do do that as I am sure you well know*, but if no one bothers to even check then they will never know.

[edit on 7-7-2009 by Watcher-In-The-Shadows]

reply to post by paraclete1


Thank you for responding.
I am not so sure we are raised but it is more instinctual behavior on our part. Wasn't so long ago the tribe was life or death for a human. We see collectivism causing a great deal in the world historically and presently.

[edit on 7-7-2009 by Watcher-In-The-Shadows]

Originally posted by David9176
reply to post by Watcher-In-The-Shadows

 

If 5 out of 6 agree they why does the 1 disagree?

The one that disagrees is likely the only one paying attention.

ANd i do agree with what you are saying...you will learn more from those you disagree with...i know i have.

Indeed, if you go into an "argument" with a calm spirit and open mind, you can learn a great deal from your opponent, even when disagreeing completely. If nothing else, you learn better the mindset of those who oppose your viewpoint, for later use

one would assume that about 5 out of 6 people believe 811 was orchestrated by AlQuida...doesn't make it true...nor does it make the 5 any less ignorant..

In my humble opinion... the one who disagrees is the one who isn't 'financially invested' in it like the other 5 are.

I just say that, because generally they say that on commercials.

You have an excellent point though. I would want to know more about the perspective of the "odd man out". If he's anything like me though, he might just oppose them because he doesn't like to be another follower. There's usually a good reason for that though.

reply to post by Jomina


I agree and it helps to have a more balanced view on the issue if you can at least understand the other person's point of view on it.

reply to post by Krystian


Don't you mean 9/11? Actually just because a majority may believe something doesn't make it wrong. Just as if a majority believes something doesn't make it right. A lot of people fall for those two traps.

reply to post by eMachine


I am so what like you, my knee jerk reaction is often to rebel against the majority. But that is largely based off a distaste for most of my fellow man and what stupidities we as a speices has purpatrated and continue to. But through a lot of soul searching and not allowing myself any excuses thankfully I can admit that now. Not saying you are the same way, just saying.

Did you ever notice in those commercials they answer your question? They must have known that someone smart would say "gee wilikers Beaver I wonder what that other doctor or dentist was thinking."

They purposely show the other doctor/ dentist accidentally pushing the “disagree” button making you think that all of them agree but the one who didn’t was just that one guy who swatted a fly by mistake on the wrong button.

I saw another one where he was bitten by a squirrel.

did you check out that thread with the psychology tests? (sorry, cant find it...)

there was the one with the "teacher" that gives electric shock to the "learner".

i found it sickening to learn that 90% of the tests subjects continued the experiment to the point of giving dangerous levels of electricity to their counterpart.

why would a person do such a thing?........???

AUTHORITY.

reply to post by gravitybender


Oh I know. But really I am going from the standpoint that it is always good to understand the criticisms as well as the praise of well... whatever.

reply to post by tgidkp


Nevermind I figured it out. Yep, a lot of people will believe and do a lot largely because someone they percieve to be in authority tells them.

[edit on 7-7-2009 by Watcher-In-The-Shadows]

man ... 5 out of 6 ... it means that they did a research and for each 6 people, 5 agreed ...

thats it ... it doesnt mean that they did an interview with 6 people ....

reply to post by Watcher-In-The-Shadows


His pineal gland, in the center of his brain, had not yet calcified from all the floride the toothpaste companies have been shoving down everyone's throat over the years, that's why.

reply to post by OmegaPoint

reply to post by Faiol



I think you both missed the point of what I was trying to say.

[edit on 7-7-2009 by Watcher-In-The-Shadows]