Work

Knowledge overconfidence is associated with anti-consensus views on controversial scientific issues

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Public attitudes that are in opposition to scientific consensus can be disastrous and include rejection of vaccines and opposition to climate change mitigation policies. Five studies examine the interrelationships between opposition to expert consensus on controversial scientific issues, how much people actually know about these issues, and how much they think they know. Across seven critical issues that enjoy substantial scientific consensus, as well as attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and mitigation measures like mask wearing and social distancing, results indicate that those with the highest levels of opposition have the lowest levels of objective knowledge but the highest levels of subjective knowledge. Implications for scientists, policymakers, and science communicators are discussed.

Source: Science Advances

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo0038

Authors: Nicholas Light, Philip M. Fernbach, Nathaniel Rabb, Mugur V. Geana, Steven A. Sloman

Institutions: Portland State University, University of Colorado Boulder, Brown University, University of Kansas

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500