Political (Mis)Information and Motivated Reasoning

Published: March 4, 2020

UPDATE: This event has been canceled due to the concerns associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and may be rescheduled in the future.

Why can’t we have “just the facts” when it comes to politics? What motivates us to think we are right even when we are wrong? In a political era dominated by social media and polarization, this lecture will focus on how emotions, values, and reasoning influence our understanding of U.S. politics and political information. 

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Political Science Speaker Series and Common Read Series invites you to join them for, “Political (Mis)Information and Motivated Reasoning,” Wednesday, March 18, at the Ada County Campus Pintail Center at 6 p.m. The event will feature the expertise of Dr. Kylee Britzman who specializes in political behavior, political psychology, political communication, and gender and politics. Britzman received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2018 and has since been teaching at Lewis-Clark State College. Her writing has been published in the Journal of Political Science and the Social Science Computer Review.

This Common Read event is made possible through support from CWI’s Office of the Provost; School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs; Department of Culture, History, and Politics; and the Liberal Arts program. All are invited to attend. Contact Kim Scheffer at 208.562.2606 kimscheffer@cwi.edu to learn more or with questions.

More from CWI

Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

College of Western Idaho will host its 11th annual Connections Conference on April 23, inviting students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate student achievement. 

Read more about Connections Conference 2026
Tutor working with students in front of a whiteboard

At CWI, Tutoring Services is available to help students stay on track, strengthen their understanding of course material, and build the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Read more about Learning Commons: Tutoring Services
Grad Fest 2026 logo

Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to graduation with Grad Fest on Friday, May 8.

Read more about 2026 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!
Art painting

Join CWI Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Christine Atkinson, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on March 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Christine Atkinson
Two students holding kestrel boxes

Raptor Day at CWI gave students hands-on experience building kestrel nest boxes and learning about the valley’s amazing birds of prey.

Read more about Raptor Day Highlights Birds of Prey on Campus
Person behind a set of books

Ada Community Library Bookmobile will visit CWI on Feb. 24, offering library cards, book checkout, and free resources for students and the community.

Read more about Library Bookmobile to Visit Ada County Center
Image of the Tempest Promotional flyer in front of a green backdrop

Join the College's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming Idaho Shakespeare Festival back to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a performance of The Tempest and an acting workshop.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes 2026 Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Headshot of Jill Storey
Jill Storey

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to campus on Feb. 26 – 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jill Storey
Spring 2026 Club Fest

Club Fest is the gateway to discovering active Student Clubs, learning about upcoming initiatives, and finding out how to join groups that align with your interests.

Read more about Spring 2026 Club Fest
Group of people practicing yoga

Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga are open to all College of Western Idaho students on most Mondays at noon at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.

Read more about Mindfulness Mondays Returns This Spring Offering Free Yoga on Campus
Three people chatting at a front desk

CWI has joined forces with Western Idaho Community Action Partnership to offer heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program provides vital...

Read more about CWI Partners With WICAP to Support Heating Assistance

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/political-misinformation-and-motivated-reasoning<br>