Unbiased Science

Blurred Lines: Navigating Bias in the Scientific Method

6 snips
Dec 4, 2024
Dr. Kristen Panthagani, an MD and PhD in genetics, and founder of the blog 'You Can Know Things,' discusses the intricacies of science communication. She explores how cognitive biases affect both research and public perceptions, stressing the challenge of conveying scientific complexity amid misinformation. The conversation delves into trust-building in science, especially post-pandemic, and highlights effective strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy. Panthagani emphasizes the need for clarity and empathy in communicating scientific findings, advocating for a more informed public.
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INSIGHT

Science, Certainty, and Doubt

  • Science is a dynamic process, constantly evolving and changing.
  • This inherent dynamism necessitates a degree of doubt and skepticism, crucial for scientific progress.
INSIGHT

The Challenge of Nuance

  • The misconception that science provides definitive answers sets it up for failure, eroding public trust when knowledge evolves.
  • The nuanced and probabilistic nature of scientific findings makes them less appealing than the concrete assertions of misinformation.
INSIGHT

Communicating Uncertainty

  • Communicating scientific uncertainty is crucial, requiring a balance between simplicity and acknowledging nuance.
  • A "certainty scale" could help convey the degree of confidence in scientific findings, differentiating established facts from emerging research.
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