Major
Business Administration
Anticipated Graduation Year
2025
Access Type
Restricted Access
Abstract
Science denial remains a persistent challenge, affecting issues like climate change, vaccines, and evolution. Research suggests that denial is not just about misinformation but is deeply tied to psychological and social identity factors. This study explores cognitive biases, motivated reasoning, and group identity in shaping science rejection. Additionally, it examines strategies such as storytelling and "prebunking” to improve science communication. Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance public acceptance of scientific findings.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Hans Svebakken
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Beyond Facts: Understanding and Addressing Science Denial Through Psychology and Social Identity
Science denial remains a persistent challenge, affecting issues like climate change, vaccines, and evolution. Research suggests that denial is not just about misinformation but is deeply tied to psychological and social identity factors. This study explores cognitive biases, motivated reasoning, and group identity in shaping science rejection. Additionally, it examines strategies such as storytelling and "prebunking” to improve science communication. Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance public acceptance of scientific findings.