Skepticism in science and punitive attitudes

This study examines whether there is an association between skepticism in science and punitive attitudes, including temporal dynamics and potential for unobserved confounding. Drawing on data from the General Social Survey (GSS) repeated cross-sections (1972–2018) (N = 26,652) and 2006–2010 3-wave panels (N = 5807), study objectives were addressed using Bayesian hierarchical age-period-cohort characteristics (HAPC) and hybrid parameterized mixed effect panel logit regression models. Findings suggest that respondents who express skepticism in science are more likely to endorse harsher punishments from courts and a reduction in funding for drug rehabilitation, after controlling for relevant theoretical and empirical controls. This association increases in magnitude across respondent ages, and has been relatively stable over time. Though respondents more likely to be skeptical in science are also more punitive, the association may be partially spurious, potentially reflecting common underlying factors, rather than through a direct causal pathway. The findings underline the challenges in developing consensus on criminal justice policy reform through appeals to evidence-based practices.