Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-2021

Faculty Advisor(s)

Ann Gordon

Abstract

Several studies have indicated that an individual’s level of religiosity impacts their views toward science and scientific phenomena. Moreover, research shows that these views can also be impacted by an individual's political affiliation and ideology. In this research paper, I examine the relationship between one’s religiosity and political ideology and their attitude toward the novel corona virus (COVID-19), vaccines, and climate change. Using data from the 2021 Chapman University Survey of American Fears, I find that while religiosity plays a role in one’s attitudes toward these three scientific phenomena, the greatest correlation stems from one’s political ideology. In other words, this study shows that when evaluating one’s outlook on COVID-19, vaccines, and climate change, an individual’s political views serve as a more substantial indicator of one’s perspective than religiosity. Tackling COVID-19, combating climate change, and convincing the public of vaccine safety and efficacy is of the utmost importance. These issues cannot be properly addressed if leaders, governments, and organizations do not understand the viewpoints of the general public. The conclusions of this research will allow these stakeholders, along with society as a whole, to gain a better grasp of the audiences in which they are dealing with as well as an enhanced awareness of why different individuals adopt certain attitudes toward scientific issues.

Comments

Presented at the virtual Spring 2021 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

This scholarship is part of the Chapman University COVID-19 Archives.

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