Education alone is not the cure for science denial

Education does not cure science denial

What is at the root of science denial? Our October Twitter chat focused on whether or not education plays a part in science denial and polarization of public opinion on controversial science topics.  We reviewed findings from a recently published paper by Caitlin Drummond and Baruch Fischhoff,  which revealed an unexpected “paradox of polarization.”  We … Read more

Education strengthens science communication. Or does it???

Science Communiation-paradox of polarization

Education strengthens science communication.  Or does it???  Contrary to common sense (and conventional science communication approaches), increasing scientific education may actually enhances polarization in public opinion on controversial issues in science!  We refer to this dynamic as the paradox of polarization.   This month we are reviewing the article, “Individuals with Greater Science Literacy and … Read more

Building Public Trust in Science: Communicating Science Across the Partisan Divide

Building public trust across political divide

We received some awesome mission statement submissions during last month’s State Your Mission Challenge!  One of our favorite mission statements got us thinking about some intriguing questions… Science (and by default, scientists) has become quite politicized, particularly around certain issues that are often the focus of partisan debates, such as climate change.   How can … Read more