The Safety of Work cover image

The Safety of Work

Ep.22 Are facts or stories more effective for changing attitudes?

Apr 12, 2020
Drew, a researcher who recently published a paper on the effectiveness of storytelling versus factual information, shares crucial insights on attitude changes. He discusses the alarming rise of anti-vaccination sentiments and how personal stories resonate more than mere facts. The conversation dives into how narratives, like those from affected families, can shift perceptions on critical topics, including workplace safety. Drew emphasizes that storytelling may be more impactful in influencing safety practices within organizations than statistical data.
43:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emotional storytelling significantly impacts attitude change regarding vaccinations, proving more effective than factual information in swaying beliefs.
  • Safety practitioners should adopt a tailored approach, blending emotional narratives with context to effectively influence organizational attitudes and culture.

Deep dives

The Impact of Stories vs. Facts

Stories are found to be more effective than facts in influencing attitudes and beliefs. Research shows that narratives can create emotional connections, leading individuals to better relate to the experiences described. In the context of vaccination, it was revealed that a heartfelt story from a mother whose child suffered from measles had a significant impact on changing people's views about vaccinations. In contrast, factual information about vaccine efficacy had no notable effect, aligning with the understanding that emotional storytelling may foster deeper engagement than mere data presentation.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner