Why we believe the computer when it lies

A survey was conducted on the sample of 60 future engineers in order to determine whether inadequate computer feedback changes the supposed success in problem solving and whether personality traits are also in the function of this change. The research results showed that personality traits fail to influence the formation of beliefs on success. Results also showed that the situation of inadequate feedback results in the changes in beliefs, on the success in problem solving and that the change is in the function of personality traits and established experience-based behavior strategies. In this situation respondents do not form any strategy for attitude conservation, but inadequate computer feedback significantly reduces estimation of their success regardless to the fact that the objective achievement is not reduced. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.