The Evolution of 'Do Your Own Research' and Autonomy from Expert Opinions

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This chapter delves into the origins and meaning of 'Do Your Own Research' (DYOR), discussing its connection to Descartes and the scientific revolution. It also explores how DYOR is interpreted as a signal of autonomy and the psychological factors at play when rejecting expert opinions.

Sedona Chinn, who studies how people make sense of competing scientific, environmental, and health-related claims, joins us to discuss her latest research into doing your own research. In her latest paper she found that the more a person values the concept of doing your own research, the less likely that person is to actually do their own research. In the episode we explore the origin of the concept, what that phrase really means, and the implications of her study on everything from politics to vaccines to conspiratorial thinking.

Sedona Chinn's Website

Sedona Chinn's Twitter

Sedona Chinn's Paper

The Other Paper Mentioned

How Minds Change

David McRaney’s Twitter