Public understanding of science and technology has become paramount as society moves into the future. This paper explores the reasons behind the creation of misinformation and how the public reacts to it through four case studies where misinformation caused controversy. Research concluded that the sources of misinformation were the media's misleading coverage, the inability of the public to change their preconceived notions of a scientific topic, as well as scientists misrepresenting their research. The proposed solution is to improve public education of scientific processes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Hokinson, Anders Cameron
• Colon, Jessica
• Innamorati, Curtis James
• Hatzis, John William
• Kandimalla, Bhavya

Subject

• Learning
• Culture
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-081611-232048

Keyword

• Science--Study and teaching

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-08-16

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright