What We Know vs. What We Think We Know

Researchers and communicators in biotechnology have experienced it for a long time– the people that oppose genetic engineering frequently know the least about it.  This observation was studied formally by a group of cognitive and social psychologists.  Their conclusion: The people with the most extreme attitudes about genetic engineering also have the least working knowledge about the science behind it.  In this week’s podcast Dr. Philip Fernbach from the University of Colorado discusses the results of the study, along with a deeper discussion into the ramifications of these findings as they apply to science communication.