293 - Do Your Own Research - Sedona Chinn (rebroadcast)
Aug 5, 2024
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Sedona Chinn, a researcher focused on how people interpret competing claims, shares her insights on the paradox of 'doing your own research.' She reveals that those who value this concept often neglect actual research efforts. The discussion delves into the origins of this phrase, its psychological implications, and its impact on public trust in experts during health crises. They explore how misinformation thrives in a skeptical age, urging the need for media literacy and critical thinking to navigate today’s complex information landscape.
The phrase 'do your own research' often signifies a desire for independent validation, yet it frequently misleads individuals away from actual research efforts.
The erosion of trust in experts is influenced by political polarization and social media, leading individuals to equate personal research with expert opinions.
Deep dives
The Concept of 'Do Your Own Research'
The phrase 'do your own research' often suggests an inclination to verify information independently, but it may not correlate with actual research behavior. Despite popular belief, many individuals who advocate for their own research do not necessarily engage more in information-seeking than others. Research shows that these proponents often cling to incorrect beliefs and show declining trust in experts, such as scientists and doctors. This highlights a disconnect between the call for independent investigation and the reality of how people process and validate information.
Historical Origins of Skepticism
The idea of doing research on one’s own has historical roots in skepticism towards authority figures, including government and scientific institutions. Conspiracy theorists, like Milton William Cooper, have popularized the phrase as a rallying call against perceived misinformation from elites. Interestingly, this skepticism does not necessarily stem from a consistent critical evaluation of evidence but rather from underlying beliefs and emotions that predispose individuals to distrust expert opinions. Such historical uses of the phrase underscore a significant shift in how self-education is framed today.
Emotion and the Search for Confirmation
Individuals often approach information seeking not with the objective of uncovering truth but rather to find confirmation for pre-existing beliefs. Motivated reasoning heavily influences this process, leading people to filter information that aligns with their views while discounting contradictory evidence. This emotional engagement with information can undermine the integrity of research efforts, making it difficult for individuals to discern factual information from misinformation. Hence, the act of 'doing research' can become more about affirming personal identity and less about arriving at accurate conclusions.
Cultural Dynamics of Trust
The erosion of trust in experts and institutions is a cultural phenomenon that has been exacerbated by factors such as political polarization and the pervasive influence of social media. Many people express skepticism not just towards the information being presented but also towards the sources of that information, which can lead to a resistance against scientifically backed guidance. This environment cultivates a belief that personal research is equally valid as expert advice, reinforcing a cycle of distrust. The challenge lies in promoting informed engagement while addressing the tensions between individual autonomy and reliance on expertise.
Sedona Chinn, who studies how people make sense of competing claims – scientific, environmental, health-related – joins us to discuss her latest research into doing your own research. Her research has 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.