skept or science denial

1. Cognitive Biases and Reasoning

Definition:

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, causing individuals to perceive reality inaccurately.

Examples:

• Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs.

• Availability Heuristic: Overestimating the importance of information readily available.

• Dunning-Kruger Effect: Overestimating one’s competence in a field with little knowledge.

Impact on Science Denial:

• Cognitive biases make individuals resistant to contradictory evidence.

• They often lead to reliance on anecdotal evidence over scientific data.

Material Reference: Sinatra & Hofer, Ch. 4

• Highlights how biases influence the rejection of scientific reasoning and understanding.

• Suggests developing critical thinking skills to counteract biases.

2. Motivated Reasoning

Definition:

The process of reasoning through a lens of personal beliefs and emotions, where conclusions are influenced by desires rather than evidence.

Mechanism:

• Selective Attention: Seeking information that supports one’s views.

• Goal-Directed Processing: Rationalizing evidence to fit a desired outcome.

Role in Science Denial:

• People reject scientific evidence that conflicts with their worldview.

• It’s prevalent in topics like climate change and vaccination.

Material Reference: Hayhoe, Ch. 6 & 7

• Discusses how emotions fuel motivated reasoning.

• Explains the importance of empathy in addressing belief-driven reasoning.

3. Emotions and Attitudes

Role in Belief Formation:

• Emotions like fear, anger, or hope shape attitudes towards science topics.

• Positive emotions can foster trust in science, while negative ones reinforce denial.

Examples:

• Climate change fear leading to denial as a coping mechanism.

• Anger towards perceived elitism in science reducing trust.

Material Reference: Hayhoe, Ch. 20 & 21

• Emphasizes connecting emotionally to inspire change.

• Proposes storytelling as a tool to humanize science.

4. How to Talk to a Science Denier

Key Strategies:

1. Stay Calm: Avoid heated arguments; focus on respectful dialogue.

2. Find Common Ground: Identify shared values to build trust.

3. Ask Questions: Encourage reflection rather than confrontation.

4. Present Evidence Wisely: Tailor information to the individual’s level of understanding.

Material Reference: Boghossian & Lindsay, Ch. 3

• Explains how to engage in productive conversations without alienation.

• Highlights Socratic questioning as an effective technique.

5. Why Talking Matters: Bond, Connect, and Inspire

Core Ideas:

• Conversations create opportunities to build trust and reduce hostility.

• Emotional and personal connections make scientific information more relatable.

• Inspiring hope can motivate action.

Tips:

• Use metaphors and analogies to simplify complex concepts.

• Share relatable stories to illustrate scientific principles.

Material Reference: Hayhoe, Ch. 20 & 21

• Reinforces the importance of human connection in changing minds.

• Suggests focusing on solutions to prevent overwhelm.

Key Takeaways for Exam Preparation:

• Understand how cognitive biases and motivated reasoning affect belief systems.

• Recognize the emotional components in attitudes towards science.

• Master communication techniques to effectively engage with science deniers.

• Draw upon examples and insights from Sinatra & Hofer, Hayhoe, and Boghossian & Lindsay.