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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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