Barbara K. Hofer – The Conversation

Approach all information with some initial skepticism. Guillermo Spelucin/Moment via Getty Images

May 24, 2023

ChatGPT and other generative AI could foster science denial and misunderstanding – here’s how you can be on alert

Gale Sinatra, University of Southern California and Barbara K. Hofer, Middlebury College

Generative AIs may make up information they serve you, meaning they may potentially spread science misinformation. Here’s how to check the accuracy of what you read in an AI-enhanced media landscape.

In ‘Don’t Look Up,’ scientists played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence watch with horror as people willfully ignore warnings of an impending disaster. Entertainment Pictures/Alamy Stock Photo

January 5, 2022

‘Don’t Look Up’: Hollywood’s primer on climate denial illustrates 5 myths that fuel rejection of science

Gale Sinatra, University of Southern California and Barbara K. Hofer, Middlebury College

Just because something isn’t 100% certain doesn’t mean you ignore it, and other lessons from two researchers who study the problem of science denial.

Are you open to new ideas and willing to change your mind? Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision via Getty Images

June 29, 2021

Science denial: Why it happens and 5 things you can do about it

Barbara K. Hofer, Middlebury College and Gale Sinatra, University of Southern California

Science denial is not new, but researchers have learned a lot about it. Here’s why it exists, how everyone is susceptible to it in one way or another and steps to take to overcome it.

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