Knowledge Overconfidence

I will describe research examining the interrelationships between opposition to expert consensus on controversial scientific issues, how much people actually know about these issues and science in general, and how much they think they know. Those with the greatest levels of opposition to the consensus have the lowest levels of objective knowledge but the highest levels of subjective knowledge. Studies focus on controversial issues that enjoy a substantial scientific consensus such climate change, genetically modified foods, vaccination, and homeopathic medicine, as well as attitudes about the COVID-19 pandemic. I will discuss implications for science education and public discourse. In addition, I will reflect on the communal nature of knowledge and related issues like conspiracy theories and misinformation.