Associations between conspiracism and the rejection of scientific innovations.

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dc.citation.issue7
dc.citation.volume30
dc.contributor.authorMarques MD
dc.contributor.authorKerr JR
dc.contributor.authorWilliams MN
dc.contributor.authorLing M
dc.contributor.authorMcLennan J
dc.date.available2021-10
dc.date.issued2021-10
dc.description.abstractPublic opinion regarding scientific developments such as genetically modified food can be mixed. We suggest such science-based technological innovations are rejected by some because they are perceived to be advanced as part of a conspiracy. In nationally representative samples (Australia n = 1011; New Zealand n = 754), we report the associations between five conspiracism facets and anti-science attitudes. Results indicate broad public opposition to genetically modified food and use of nuclear power, but more acceptance of renewable power, potable recycled water, 5G networks, and childhood vaccinations. There were small to moderate associations between the rejection of scientific innovations and conspiracism. Multivariate models estimating unique associations of conspiracism facets with anti-science attitudes suggested several novel and important relationships, particularly for childhood vaccination, genetically modified food, and 5G networks. We discuss the importance of examining factors such as conspiracism in understanding what may motivate and sustain rejection of scientific evidence-based claims about socially contentious technological innovations.
dc.description.publication-statusPublished
dc.format.extent854 - 867
dc.identifierhttp://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000643485900001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=c5bb3b2499afac691c2e3c1a83ef6fef
dc.identifierARTN 09636625211007013
dc.identifier.citationPUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, 2021, 30 (7), pp. 854 - 867
dc.identifier.doi10.1177/09636625211007013
dc.identifier.eissn1361-6609
dc.identifier.elements-id444458
dc.identifier.harvestedMassey_Dark
dc.identifier.issn0963-6625
dc.relation.isPartOfPUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE
dc.relation.urihttps://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/y9mnb
dc.subjectconspiracism
dc.subjectGM food
dc.subjectpublic opinion
dc.subjectscience attitudes and perceptions
dc.subjectvaccinations
dc.subject.anzsrc1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy
dc.subject.anzsrc1903 Journalism and Professional Writing
dc.subject.anzsrc2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields
dc.titleAssociations between conspiracism and the rejection of scientific innovations.
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.notesNot known
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Humanities and Social Sciences
pubs.organisational-group/Massey University/College of Humanities and Social Sciences/School of Psychology
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