La Trobe University, Australia.
University of Cambridge, UK.
Public Underst Sci. 2021 Oct;30(7):854-867. doi: 10.1177/09636625211007013. Epub 2021 Apr 16.
Public 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 = 1011; New Zealand = 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.
公众对转基因食品等科学发展的看法可能存在分歧。我们认为，由于这些技术创新被视为先进的阴谋论的一部分，因此会遭到一些人的反对。在具有全国代表性的样本中（澳大利亚=1011；新西兰=754），我们报告了五种阴谋论特征与反科学态度之间的关联。结果表明，公众广泛反对转基因食品和核能的使用，但更接受可再生能源、饮用水回收、5G 网络和儿童疫苗接种。对科学创新的抵制与阴谋论之间存在着小到中等程度的关联。使用多元模型估计阴谋论特征与反科学态度之间的独特关联表明存在一些新颖而重要的关系，特别是在儿童疫苗接种、转基因食品和 5G 网络方面。我们讨论了检查阴谋论等因素的重要性，以了解是什么可能激发和维持对社会争议性技术创新的基于科学证据的主张的反对。
