Mind the Gap! Attitudes and Belief Gaps Toward Climate Change and Syrian Refugees

• In Event: Knowledge Gaps and Knowledge Gains

Abstract

Drawing upon the knowledge and belief gap theories, this study examines the effect of political orientations, education, and partisan media consumption on the formation of incorrect beliefs toward politically contested issues. Using a two-wave, nationally representative online survey, we assess people’s attitudes and beliefs toward climate change, on the one hand, and Syrian refugees, on the other. Our findings indicate that low levels of education contribute to the formation of gaps in newly acquired sets of beliefs, with less-educated conservatives holding incorrect beliefs about Syrian refugees. Implications and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Magdalena Saldana, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

• Thomas Johnson, U of Texas - Austin

• Shannon C McGregor, University of Utah