Hobson, K., & Niemeyer, S. (2013). What sceptics believe: The effects of information and deliberation on climate change scepticism.

Title: What Sceptics Believe: The Effects of Information and Deliberation on Climate Change Scepticism Author: Karen Hobson and Simon Niemeyer Date: 2013

Summary: In this study, Hobson and Niemeyer examine the beliefs of climate change skeptics and how these beliefs can be affected by information and deliberation. The authors investigate the relationship between climate change skepticism and individuals' existing knowledge and understanding of the issue, as well as how their beliefs may shift when presented with new information or given the opportunity to engage in deliberative discussion.

The authors conducted a series of workshops with participants who held varying degrees of skepticism about climate change. These workshops involved providing participants with information about climate change, engaging them in structured deliberation on the issue, and then assessing their beliefs and attitudes after the process.

The study found that climate change skeptics tended to have a lower level of knowledge about the issue compared to non-skeptics. Furthermore, when presented with new information and given the opportunity to deliberate, skeptics' beliefs about climate change were significantly influenced. Specifically, the authors found that information and deliberation led to an increase in the perceived importance of climate change as a global issue and a decrease in the level of skepticism among participants.

The study also revealed that the type of information presented and the structure of the deliberation process can play a significant role in shaping individuals' beliefs and attitudes about climate change. The authors argue that providing accurate, balanced, and accessible information on climate change, as well as creating opportunities for meaningful deliberation, can help to reduce skepticism and promote a greater public understanding of the issue.

In conclusion, Hobson and Niemeyer's study highlights the potential for information and deliberation to influence climate change skepticism and emphasizes the importance of engaging the public in informed discussions about this critical global issue.