[Vision2020] Cultural Cognition con't

[Ron Force]

Rest of the article:

In this study, researchers measured "science literacy" with test 
items developed by the National Science Foundation. They also measured 
their subjects' "numeracy"—that is, their ability and disposition to 
understand quantitative information.

"In effect," Kahan said, 
"ordinary members of the public credit or dismiss scientific information
 on disputed issues based on whether the information strengthens or 
weakens their ties to others who share their values. At least among 
ordinary members of the public, individuals with higher science 
comprehension are even better at fitting the evidence to their group 
commitments."

Kahan said that the study supports no inferences about the reasoning of scientific experts in climate change.

Researcher
 Ellen Peters of Ohio State University said that people who are higher 
in numeracy and science literacy usually make better decisions in 
complex technical situations, but the study clearly casts doubt on the 
notion that the more you understand science and math, the better 
decisions you'll make in complex and technical situations. "What this 
study shows is that people with high science and math comprehension can 
think their way to conclusions that are better for them as individuals 
but are not necessarily better for society."

According to Kahan, 
the study suggests the need for science communication strategies that 
reflect a more sophisticated understanding of cultural values.

"More
 information can help solve the climate change conflict," Kahan said, 
"but that information has to do more than communicate the scientific 
evidence. It also has to create a climate of deliberations in which no 
group perceives that accepting any piece of evidence is akin to betrayal
 of their cultural group."
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