Expert opinion is necessary as part of the justice system – but nobody is asking if the experts are fit for the task and if their evidence is reliable.
Conspiracy theories can muddle people’s thinking.
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Carrie Leonetti, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Victims in the family court system are often forced to come face-to-face with their alleged attackers when giving evidence. A new bill aims to afford these victims more protection when testifying.
A critical race theory scholar explains why it’s problematic to use rap lyrics as evidence of a crime, and what some lawmakers are doing to protect artistic expression.
An updated Cochrane Review suggests face masks don’t reduce the spread of COVID in the community. But there are several reasons why this conclusion is misleading.
Don’t believe the hype about Bigfoot, a flat Earth or ancient aliens.
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A university course teaches students why people believe false and evidence-starved claims, to show them how to determine what’s accurate and real and what’s neither.
Human memory doesn’t work like a video camera, simply recording a scene as it happens. But researchers know how to help children recall information accurately.
It can feel safer to block out contradictory information that challenges a belief.
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Here are some reasons for the natural human tendency to avoid or reject new information that runs counter to what you already know – and some tips on how to do better.
Two Australians with bipolar have been successfully treated with poo transplants, allowing them to come off, or reduce, their medications. Here’s where the science is up to.
We’ve all heard an exasperated “do your research!” from people who want to persuade us to accept their claim or point of view. The problem is it’s not likely to convince anyone.
Policy-makers lack an understanding of how to assess research and the quality of that research. We need to do better during the COVID-19 pandemic and during future health crises.
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In most countries, ignorance about how to use evidence properly to inform decision-making has led to missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how to do better.
New research shows the choices we make, and our perceptions of the world, are biased by our initial impressions.
As the pandemic has progressed, so has scientists’ understanding of why masks matter and how best to protect against COVID.
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