Left Out—Feelings of Social Exclusion Incite Individuals with High Conspiracy Mentality to Reject Complex Scientific Messages

IF 2 3区文学 Q2 COMMUNICATION

Journal of Language and Social Psychology Pub Date : 2021-10-01 DOI:10.1177/0261927X211044789

J. Schnepf, Alexandra Lux, Zixi Jin, M. Formanowicz

引用次数: 10

Abstract

We investigated linguistic factors that affect peoples’ trust in science and their commitment to follow evidence-based recommendations, crucial for limiting the spread of COVID-19. In an experiment (N = 617), we examined whether complex (vs. simple) scientific statements on mask-wearing can decrease trust in information and its sources, and hinder adherence to behavioral measures. In line with former research on social exclusion through complex language, we also examined whether complexity effects are mediated via feelings of social exclusion. Results indicate that negative effects of text complexity were present, but only for participants with a strong conspiracy mentality. This finding informs how to increase trust in science among individuals with a high conspiracy mentality, a population commonly known for its skepticism towards scientific evidence.

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被排除在外——社会排斥感促使具有高度阴谋心理的个人拒绝复杂的科学信息

我们调查了影响人们对科学的信任以及他们遵循循证建议的承诺的语言因素，这对限制COVID-19的传播至关重要。在一项实验(N = 617)中，我们研究了关于戴口罩的复杂(与简单)科学陈述是否会降低对信息及其来源的信任，并阻碍对行为措施的遵守。与以往通过复杂语言对社会排斥的研究一致，我们还考察了复杂性效应是否通过社会排斥感来调节。结果表明，文本复杂性的负面影响存在，但仅对具有强烈阴谋心理的参与者。这一发现告诉我们如何在具有高度阴谋心理的人群中增加对科学的信任，这一人群通常以对科学证据持怀疑态度而闻名。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Language and Social Psychology Multiple-

CiteScore

5.20

自引率

14.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Language and Social Psychology explores the social dimensions of language and the linguistic implications of social life. Articles are drawn from a wide range of disciplines, including linguistics, cognitive science, sociology, communication, psychology, education, and anthropology. The journal provides complete and balanced coverage of the latest developments and advances through original, full-length articles, short research notes, and special features as Debates, Courses and Conferences, and Book Reviews.