Factual Divergence and Risk Perceptions

The communication of information (‘facts’) by experts to the general public becomes challenging if there is an absence trust in experts, and institutions they represent. There has been a perceived sense decline expertise science, issue concern highlighted political leaders such as MP Michael Gove Former US President Donald Trump. This paper presents synthesis differing fields study reflect upon dynamic between expertise, risk response democratic practice. It incorporates studies theories from psychology, analysis, communication, epistemology answer questions as: what evidence that antipathy toward exists? Is war being waged laypeople does this mean for policy? How can perception research effectively contribute debate on expertise? role heuristics psychology decision-making explored (as well brief sojourn into sociology risk) with regard how perceptions are formed, play dynamic. In article, I argue reports not based evidence; fact, scientists generally trusted at large. However, cannot be taken granted it continues represent increasingly critical element communicating upholding principles governance.