[LINK] Why Should We Believe the Panel on Climate Change?

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

On 15/07/2010 12:33 PM, Tom Worthington wrote:
> ... a frustrated climate scientists asked essentially: "Why don't
> people believe us?" and the Professor's response was "Why should they?".
> She was making the point that there is a substantial body of social
> science and educational research which shows that presenting supposedly
> pure scientific truth is not convincing.
>    

In Politics, Sometimes The Facts Don't Matter
[USA] National Public Radio
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128490874

This is TALK OF THE NATION. I’m Neal Conan in Washington.

We'd like to believe that most of what we know is accurate and that if 
presented with facts to prove we're wrong, we would sheepishly accept 
the truth and change our views accordingly.

A new body of research out of the University of Michigan suggests that's 
not what happens, that we base our opinions on beliefs and when 
presented with contradictory facts, we adhere to our original belief 
even more strongly.

The phenomenon is called backfire, and it plays an especially important 
role in how we shape and solidify our beliefs on immigration, the 
president's place of birth, welfare and other highly partisan issues.

... etc

<brd>
This effect probably works both ways. Scientists and technologist also 
have beliefs that they cherish and don't easily give up - in spite of 
the facts shown to them.
</brd>

-- 


Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Canberra Australia
email:	 brd at iimetro.com.au
website: www.drbrd.com