Talk Title:
Confronting Science Denial: Flexible Practices to Promote Science Learning and Acceptance
Abstract:
How do individuals decide whether to get vaccinated, eat genetical modified foods, or support climate change mitigation efforts in their neighborhood? Democracies depend on science savvy citizens who can make informed decisions about scientific issues. In Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It, Sinatra and co-author Barbara Hofer examine the psychological factors contributing to science denial, doubt, and resistance. The themes from the book include the role of psychological constructs such as misconceptions, cognitive biases, emotions, identity, epistemic cognition, and motivated reasoning in misunderstanding science. This presentation will focus on why science denial happens and the flexible practices that teachers can use to promote science understanding and support students in overcoming science doubt, denial, and resistance.
Bio:
Dr. Gale M. Sinatra is a Distinguished Professor Emerita of Psychology and Education at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California and a member of the National Academy of Education. She received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Sinatra led the Motivated Change Research Lab at USC, the mission of which was understanding the cognitive, motivational, and emotional processes that lead to attitude
