Sometimes, we hold beliefs that are not based on scientific information, such as climate change, vaccination, and food safety. Even when faced with scientific evidence, we don't change our minds. Why do we sometimes stick to our beliefs? How can science be communicated to allow it to be discussed in such topics? In this project, we study the effects of different types of science communication on people’s belief in scientific findings.
In the project, we have investigated the role of motivation in sticking to false beliefs about vaccination and food safety, as well as whether communicating scientific consensus can help inform people about scientific findings regarding contested topics. We have also investigated whether helping people understand and use consensus information can make such messages more effective in informing people, for instance, about climate change, genetically engineered food, or the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are investigating the effects of consensus communication, the role of scientific knowledge and understanding, and whether helping people use scientific information can help them become better informed.
Find out more about the Communication Media research programme:
