Student & Professor Study Political Orientation and Personal Beliefs

Anthony Washburn, a graduate student in psychology, and Linda Skitka, professor of psychology, conducted a study that had participants indicate their political orientation on various issues, evaluate fabricated scientific results, and decide what the studies scientifically concluded. No matter what the issues were, participants agreed or disagreed with the study results based on their existing attitudes. The researchers concluded that science denial is not a strictly conservative phenomenon, but a reflection of people's basic desire to see the world in ways that fit their beliefs. You can read more about the study here http://today.uic.edu/science-denial-not-limited-to-political-right.