A study published in Nature Human Behavior suggests that scientists can regain public trust lost during the COVID-19 pandemic by demonstrating intellectual humility. Confidence in scientists, which dropped significantly from 87% in 2000 to 73% in 2023, has only slightly rebounded to 76%, according to Pew Research Center surveys.
The study highlights that intellectual humility—admitting gaps in knowledge, considering input from others, and updating views based on evidence—could play a critical role in rebuilding trust, especially as science grapples with uncertainty in addressing complex global challenges.
The study, led by psychology professor Karina Schumann, examined the role of intellectual humility through five smaller studies. Schumann emphasized that fostering trust requires addressing public uncertainty about who to believe and which recommendations to follow.
Intellectual humility appears crucial in this context, as it aligns with the public’s expectations of scientists to be transparent about uncertainties and open to change. Survey data, however, indicates that nearly half of Americans perceive scientists as feeling superior and poor communicators, highlighting a potential barrier to public trust.
The research explored how intellectual humility influences trust. In one study, participants perceived scientists as more trustworthy when they displayed humility, such as admitting what they didn’t know, compared to those exhibiting overconfidence.
How Intellectual Humility Can Help Scientists Rebuild Public Trust in the Post-Pandemic Era
This pattern persisted across other studies, even when variables like the gender or race of the fictional scientist were altered. These findings suggest that intellectual humility boosts trust regardless of personal characteristics, highlighting its universal importance in how scientists are viewed.
However, the research also uncovered challenges. When scientists expressed humility by highlighting methodological or result-based limitations, trust in their research decreased, even though perceptions of their humility rose. This counterintuitive outcome suggests that while personal expressions of humility build trust, discussing uncertainties in research might inadvertently undermine confidence in the findings. Thus, scientists must carefully balance transparency with maintaining trust in their work.
The findings underscore the importance of avoiding low intellectual humility, such as overconfidence or dismissiveness. Schumann expressed optimism that the public values the iterative nature of science and its ability to evolve through questioning and learning.
She called for further research to guide scientists in authentically conveying intellectual humility, emphasizing that its absence could erode the credibility and rigor that make science vital. The study provides a starting point for improving public perceptions and trust in scientific work.
