Overview

• A survey of 7,800 Americans shows conservatives consistently trust science less than liberals, even in fields tied to economic growth.
• Conservative distrust is particularly pronounced in climate science, medical research, and social sciences, while smaller gaps exist in technical disciplines like industrial chemistry.
• The study confirms a long-term decline in conservative trust in science that has worsened since the 1980s.
• Attempts to boost trust through five targeted interventions, including aligning messages with conservative values, were found to be ineffective.
• Researchers warn that declining trust in science could hinder public acceptance of solutions to societal challenges like pandemics and climate change.