People’s overconfidence in their own scientific knowledge is usually a good sign that they don’t know much. In fact, the more negatively people view science, the more likely they are to be overestimating their scientific knowledge.
A study led by Cristina Fonseca of the Genetics Society and Laurence Hurst of the University of Bath, among other colleagues, recently looked at the intricacies of this phenomenon.
The Perception vs. Reality Gap in Scientific Knowledge
Ever met someone who confidently declared an opinion on a scientific subject only to find that their actual knowledge on the matter was limited? Why do people have varying attitudes towards well-evidenced science?
To unravel this complex relationship between attitude and self-perceived knowledge, over 2,000 UK adults were surveyed. The survey touched on their attitudes towards science and how they gauge their own understanding. Prior studies had indicated that those negative towards science had limited textbook knowledge but high self-belief in their comprehension. Building on this, the team investigated if this high self-belief was a common trait among all strong attitudes.
Focusing specifically on genetic science, the team posed attitudinal questions and queries about individuals’ self-rated understanding of terminologies like DNA. The findings were clear-cut: individuals at both extremes of the attitude spectrum—whether strongly in favor or against science—displayed high self-belief in their own comprehension. Conversely, those with a neutral stance were less confident in their grasp.
The Psychological Implications of Overconfidence
Psychologically, this is a logical pattern. To vehemently hold an opinion, one needs to be profoundly convinced of their understanding of the foundational facts. However, when delving deeper, a clear disparity emerges.
Those with strong negative sentiments, despite their self-belief, lacked extensive textbook knowledge. On the other hand, science proponents not only believed they understood the subject but also performed commendably in factual tests.
Rethinking Science Communication
Traditionally, improving scientific literacy focused on transferring knowledge from experts to the general public. Yet, this method might not always be effective and can sometimes even backfire. This study indicates a more fruitful approach might involve reconciling the gap between actual knowledge and self-perceived understanding.
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith aptly points out the challenge in this: addressing misconceptions requires dismantling what individuals believe they know about science and instilling a more accurate comprehension.
This revelation implies a re-evaluation of strategies in science communication. Instead of just disseminating facts, there’s a pressing need to address individuals’ self-beliefs and bridge the gap between perception and reality. In doing so, a more informed and receptive audience for science can be fostered.
— WTF fun facts
Source: “It isn’t what you know, it’s what you think you know” — Science Daily