Science in the Eye of the Beholder: Selective Reading and Impacts of Online Science Information

• In Event: Public Understanding and Perceptions of Environmental Issues

Abstract

Drawing on confirmation bias and exemplification theory, this study examined selective exposure to online science information and subsequent attitude impacts. Participants selectively browsed online messages featuring opposing viewpoints and either exemplars or statistics, resulting in a 2 (supporting vs. opposing technology) x 2 (exemplar vs. statistics) x 4 (topic: fracking, biofuels, GMOs, nanotechnology) within-subjects design. Participants’ attitudes towards science topics were measured before and after selective exposure. Participants preferred messages aligned with preexisting attitudes. Exemplar messages fostered longer reading among individuals with high interpersonal reactivity but less exposure among high-numeracy individuals. Finally, selective exposure to attitude-consistent statistics messages shifted attitudes.

Authors

• Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick, Ohio State U

• Benjamin K. Johnson, VU U

• Nathan Aaron Silver, Ohio State U

• Axel Westerwick, Ohio State U