Mariam Muili
Research Mentor(s): Terri Conley
Mentor Department: Psychology
Authors: Mariam Muili, Terri Conley
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 33
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the negative social and psychological effects of nescience, which is the belief that nothing is knowable or that there is no objective truth. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group exposed to evidence-based content and an experimental group interacting with content that is more subjective and is intended to induce nescience. The information includes a series of predetermined sentences designed to influence nescience levels. The participants then completed a questionnaire with multiple scales including conspiracy theory, anti-intellectualism, pseudo-profound statements and nescience. We hypothesized that individuals primed in nescience will display increased levels of negative outcomes like conspiracy theory beliefs, anti-intellectualism, and acceptance of pseudo-profound statements compared to those who are not. This research aims to uncover how exposure to nescience based content impacts anti-intellectualism, promotes critical thinking, and trust in science. By identifying the effects of nescient priming, efforts can be aimed in preventing anti-intellectualism, promoting critical thinking, and trust in science and institutions. Overall the understanding of how nescience influences social views offers valuable information for addressing the broader political issues posed by the rejection of objective truth.
