Talking doesn't help scientific consensus

kennyc · 11-05-2010, 06:29 AM

More Talk, Less Agreement: Risk Discussion Can Hurt Consensus-Building on Science/Technology

ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2010) — When it comes to public issues pertaining to science and technology, "talking it out" doesn't seem to work. A new study from North Carolina State University shows that the more people discuss the risks and benefits associated with scientific endeavors, the more entrenched they become in their viewpoint -- and the less likely they are to see the merit of other viewpoints......

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1104111024.htm

Steven Lyle Jordan · 11-05-2010, 08:42 AM

You're crazy! That's the most ridiculous thing I ever...

err... uh...

But seriously, folks... I think the problem is that scientific discussions have become purely theoretical exercises to many people... I suspect, because the science involved can be so arcane and beyond the understanding of many, coupled with the increased difficulty of predicting the outcomes of certain actions, that people would rather discuss something ad nauseam in order to delay or outright prevent the need to actually do anything.

ShortNCuddlyAm · 11-05-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Lyle Jordan

[
But seriously, folks... I think the problem is that scientific discussions have become purely theoretical exercises to many people... I suspect, because the science involved can be so arcane and beyond the understanding of many, coupled with the increased difficulty of predicting the outcomes of certain actions, that people would rather discuss something ad nauseam in order to delay or outright prevent the need to actually do anything.

That doesn't just pertain to science, or even to anything arcance or difficult - I know several managers who fit that bill

Pomtroll · 11-05-2010, 11:27 AM

I think that may be true with religion & politics too.

kennyc · 11-05-2010, 11:30 AM

Pomtroll, please don't use green text.

TGS · 11-05-2010, 11:36 AM

Apparently, talking about it doesn't even help in counselling and therapy (cf: Richard Wiseman's book - 59 Seconds).

11-05-2010, 06:29 AM	#1
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,872 Karma: 118716293 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2; Kindle Fire	Talking doesn't help scientific consensus More Talk, Less Agreement: Risk Discussion Can Hurt Consensus-Building on Science/Technology ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2010) — When it comes to public issues pertaining to science and technology, "talking it out" doesn't seem to work. A new study from North Carolina State University shows that the more people discuss the risks and benefits associated with scientific endeavors, the more entrenched they become in their viewpoint -- and the less likely they are to see the merit of other viewpoints...... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1104111024.htm

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11-05-2010, 08:42 AM	#2
Steven Lyle Jordan Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,478 Karma: 5171130 Join Date: Jan 2006 Device: none	You're crazy! That's the most ridiculous thing I ever... err... uh... But seriously, folks... I think the problem is that scientific discussions have become purely theoretical exercises to many people... I suspect, because the science involved can be so arcane and beyond the understanding of many, coupled with the increased difficulty of predicting the outcomes of certain actions, that people would rather discuss something ad nauseam in order to delay or outright prevent the need to actually do anything.

11-05-2010, 11:27 AM	#4
Pomtroll Guru Posts: 822 Karma: 1341819 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Minnesota USA Device: Sony 350, Sony T1, Kindle Touch, Kindle PW1	I think that may be true with religion & politics too.

11-05-2010, 11:30 AM	#5
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,872 Karma: 118716293 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2; Kindle Fire	Pomtroll, please don't use green text.

11-05-2010, 11:36 AM	#6
TGS Country Member Posts: 9,058 Karma: 7676767 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Denmark Device: Liseuse: Irex DR800. PRS 505 in the house, and the missus has an iPad.	Apparently, talking about it doesn't even help in counselling and therapy (cf: Richard Wiseman's book - 59 Seconds).

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