Dale, Alison (author), Irwin, Alan (author), and Smith, Denis (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1996
Published:
UK
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C20468
Notes:
Pages 47-64 in Alan Irwin and Brian Wynne (eds.), Misunderstanding science? The public reconstruction of science and technology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England. 232 pages.
Dunwoody, Sharon (author), Friedman, Sharon M. (author), and Rogers, Carol L. (author)
Format:
Book
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
USA: Free Press, New York City, New York.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C20213
Notes:
Issues in Science and Technology Series, American Association for the Advancement of Science; Also see item C01871 for Table of Contents and Introduction, 333 pages
Via online by keyword search. Open access., Counsel from a biology teacher about the dilemma of helping students and other "non-experts" assess complex subjects. "The citizen must assess the evidence - not the scientific evidence, but the social evidence for credibility. First, can one trust the source of information? ... If that is relatively secure, one can then take the next step 'backwards' to assess the credibility of the expert or person making the claims. Known experts and media with confirmed track records are ideal, of course. But frequently we must settle for indirect evidence. ... For the consumer interested in reliable knowledge, one must find the thread that one can trust. Robust agreement, when available, helps."
