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In sociological research, the study of macro processes, such as opinionpolarization, faces a fundamental problem, the so-called micro-macro problem.To overcome this problem, we combine empirical experimental research on biasedargument processing with a computational theory of group deliberation in orderto clarify the role of biased processing in debates around energy. Theexperiment reveals a strong tendency to consider arguments aligned with thecurrent attitude more persuasive and to downgrade those speaking against it.This is integrated into the framework of argument communication theory in whichagents exchange arguments about a certain topic and adapt opinions accordingly.We derive a mathematical model that allows to relate the strength of biasedprocessing to expected attitude changes given the specific experimentalconditions and find a clear signature of moderate biased processing. We furthershow that this model fits significantly better to the experimentally observedattitude changes than the neutral argument processing assumption made inprevious models. Our approach provides new insight into the relationshipbetween biased processing and opinion polarization. At the individual level ouranalysis reveals a sharp qualitative transition from attitude moderation topolarization. At the collective level we find (i.) that weak biased processingsignificantly accelerates group decision processes whereas (ii.) strong biasedprocessing leads to a persistent conflictual state of subgroup polarization.While this shows that biased processing alone is sufficient for the emergenceof polarization, we also demonstrate that homophily may lead to intra-groupconflict at significantly lower rates of biased processing.

Biased processing and opinion polarization: experimental refinement of argument communication theory in the context of the energy debate