Study: Liberals and conservatives are both biased against science

While conservatives are often stereotyped as being "anti-science," new research from The Ohio State University says that when it comes to ignoring scientists' recommendations, liberals may be the pot calling the kettle black.

Americans across the political spectrum reject scientific claims which counteract their own preset opinions, the researchers found, especially if those opinions are about testy political issues. Though conservatives did have stronger reactions to scientific claims that challenged their views, both groups lost trust in science when it contradicted their beliefs.

"There are definitely established psychological differences between conservatives and liberals," said study co-author Erik Nisbet, "but nothing in the scientific literature has shown that one group is more likely to be more or less biased toward scientific information than the other."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up