I heard about an interesting study from Duke University that found that why many people ignore overwhelming scientific data and facts on an issue is over solution denial. What this means, is if there is a problem, and the solution is a prospect they do not like, then instead of seeing that a solution is needed, the person ignores the fact that the problem exists, even if faced with overwhelming evidence to the proof the problem does, in fact, exist. They will, against all common sense, admit that there is a problem, and will in essence, bury their head in the sands. Two examples that showed this phenomenon exists for both conservatives and liberals was with climate change and crime.
http://today.duke.edu/2014/11/solutionaversion
For conservatives, they were given the issue of climate change and presented evidence, and when the solution was tighter government regulation (which conservatives traditionally oppose) the response was only 22 percent believed the study, and when the solution was free market green technology advancements ( using a free market approach to the problem) 55 percent believed the study.
There were similar results according to the article when liberals were presented with home break in statistics, and the proposed solution was looser gun ownership laws. Many of the liberals denied the validity of the data on the subject, and a majority denied the problem was as bad as the study said.
Honestly, this explains the pigheadedness of both divides to me in this country.
( I have often had a hard time identifying with either party for this very reason, I am a supporter of gun ownership rights, and a supporter of greener laws and conservation efforts, due to the facts of both issues. IMHO, more civilian gun ownership promotes a safer society, not just because criminals are less likely to attack a person due to the chance they might be armed, but police misconduct is less likely for the same reason. And climate change, well, if unchecked will eventually make this planet unlivable for humans. Life will go on, we will not. And so I was always baffled by both parties self induced ignorance in the light of facts and data, going so far as to cherry pick data, slant or skew results, or outright deny the problem.)
So my question is, what do you think of this study? Is it a good explanation for why it seems people seem to figuratively cover their ears and ignore a problem? Or does this problem not exist?
I think, IMHO, this study hits the nail on the head, so to speak. It also makes me want to reevaluate my opinions on issues, to make sure I am not ignoring evidence of potential issues we as a planet face.
