Left Out – feelings of social exclusion incite individuals with high conspiracy mentality to reject complex scientific messages

Schnepf, Julia, Lux, Alexandra, Jin, Zixi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1567-2016 and Formanowicz, Magdalena 2021. Left Out – feelings of social exclusion incite individuals with high conspiracy mentality to reject complex scientific messages. Journal of Language and Social Psychology 40 (5-6) , pp. 627-652. 10.1177/0261927X211044789

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Abstract

We investigated linguistic factors that affect peoples’ trust in science and their commitment to follow evidence-based recommendations, crucial for limiting the spread of COVID-19. In an experiment (N = 617), we examined whether complex (vs. simple) scientific statements on mask-wearing can decrease trust in information and its sources, and hinder adherence to behavioral measures. In line with former research on social exclusion through complex language, we also examined whether complexity effects are mediated via feelings of social exclusion. Results indicate that negative effects of text complexity were present, but only for participants with a strong conspiracy mentality. This finding informs how to increase trust in science among individuals with a high conspiracy mentality, a population commonly known for its skepticism towards scientific evidence.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Additional Information:	Accepted for publication
Publisher:	SAGE
ISSN:	0261-927X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	25 August 2021
Date of Acceptance:	10 August 2021
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2023 06:51
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/143651

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