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  • RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

Global survey finds scientists have more credibility than spiritual leaders

A lofty-sounding but vapid statement carried more weight with participants when they were told it came from a scientific source.
Atomic scientist and Nobel prize winner Professor Enrico Fermi writes on a chalkboard during a lecture in Milan, Italy.

A photograph of particle physicist Enrico Fermi was featured in a study of scientists’ credibility — but few participants recognized him. Credit: Keystone/Getty

People are more likely to believe a cryptic claim if it comes from a scientist rather than a spiritual guru1.

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Nature 602, 365 (2022)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00359-1

References

  1. Hoogeveen, S. et al. Nature Hum. Behav. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-021-01273-8 (2022).

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