Lunch and Learn: First Thursday of each month 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 223 Townsend On Thursday, April 3rd SISLT is sponsoring a brown bag meeting showcasing research done at the University of Missouri. Faculty member, Dr. Jenny Bossaller, will discuss her research on reactions to authority and trusting informational sources. Please bring a lunch and join us for her talk. Evidence not Authority: Reconsidering Presentation of Science for difficult decisions. Abstract: Many online publications offer space for the public to comment on articles. These sections are a window to see readers’ reactions to the article and the subject matter. This paper provides an analysis of comment sections from readers on articles about vaccination. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate reactions to authority, which leads to recommendations on how libraries might remain credible and trustworthy places to seek information about contested subjects. Vaccination is a contested practice that has received widespread public attention. This study demonstrates an atmosphere of distrust toward government, media, scientific funding, and drug companies. Librarians working with the public should be aware of this charged atmosphere. Locally created portals that include multiple points of view on contentious subjects will help people make important decisions, and will demonstrate independence that will increase trust. The questions this research seeks to answer, framed within the context of online conversation about vaccinations: • What do people say that they trust and do not trust? • How do they speak of authority? • What sources do they say they use to make decisions about health care? • What can librarians learn about observing talk about authority? “You have not converted a man because you have silenced him. -- John Morley, British statesman Beth Brendler, Ph.D. Assistant Professor School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) University of Missouri 221A Townsend Hall Columbia, MO 65211 573-882-3910 [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:32:22 +0000