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Myths About Public Perceptions Of Science

The National Research Council workshop group addressing science communication with the public debunked some popular myths about the public.

Myth 1

Knowledge deficits are responsible for the lack of public support of science.

Truth is, says the group, more scientific information or knowledge about an issue does not lead to greater public support of particular scientific findings, and may even produce the opposite effect.

Myth 2

Useful public debate requires citizens that think like scientists.

All people, scientists included, are cognitive misers who use mental shortcuts such as beliefs and values to process information. These are healthy human responses to the multitude of decisions that need to be made.


Myth 3

The public does not trust scientists.

According to one member, people trust scientists but they are motivated to see that what science says is consistent with what their group says. 


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