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Scientists Seen As Competent But Not Trusted By Americans

cold fjord writes The Woodrow Wilson School reports, "If scientists want the public to trust their research suggestions, they may want to appear a bit 'warmer,' according to a new review published by Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The review, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), shows that while Americans view scientists as competent, they are not entirely trusted. This may be because they are not perceived to be friendly or warm. In particular, Americans seem wary of researchers seeking grant funding and do not trust scientists pushing persuasive agendas. Instead, the public leans toward impartiality. 'Scientists have earned the respect of Americans but not necessarily their trust,' said lead author Susan Fiske, the Eugene Higgins Professor of Psychology and professor of public affairs. 'But this gap can be filled by showing concern for humanity and the environment. Rather than persuading, scientists may better serve citizens by discussing, teaching and sharing information to convey trustworthy intentions.'"

4 of 460 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Alternate suggestion by Eunuchswear · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hey come on, you're talking about a group of people who voted for Bush instead of Kerry because they'd rather have a beer with Bush.

    Forgetting that Bush is a recovering alcoholic.

    Have fun drinking with that guy!

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    Watch this Heartland Institute video
  2. as an american perhaps i can clarify. by nimbius · · Score: 5, Funny

    Trust is a pretty big thing here in America. Gravity? sure, i get it, i use that every day (unless its not still free. i do have a budget you know.) But sir isaac newton? seriously shady guy. how can i trust someone that looks that much like Weird Al Yankovik but never once dropped a mix tape...you have to approach the guy kinda carefully. dispersive prisms are sweet, but did you know that Pink Floyds dark side of the moon album uses them too? Isaac newton probably invented them so he could have a mix tape, but through the magic of Pink Floyd (prisms help roger waters rock harder) +1 to Isaac for helping out (maybe he can be trusted now. maybe.)

    and climate change? sure, i get that and its been explained and it helped al gore invent the internet and now flights to florida are a lot cheaper than before. But 300 scientists around the world? hold on. can they be trusted? i mean what if they dont wash their hands after going to the bathroom? You cant trust people who dont use their turn signals either, so those guys are right out. What if climate change was secretly used in 9/11? do those scientists support the troops? EXACTLY. these are important questions about science that keep us up at night. Also if I disagree with it, then that makes it a THEORY and not a science fact, which means it can only be used in movies until they make it come true.

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    Good people go to bed earlier.
  3. Re: Rebels by asylumx · · Score: 5, Funny

    Reasonable grammar is for conformist sheep!

  4. No. Neither trusted nor competent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Scientist is just a label that any one can give to themselves. There is nothing preventing any human from calling themselves a scientist.

    And it is so true with those that manipulate the populous for their own profits. Only a fool would have to llook further than the global warming billionaires.