title: Relationship between scientific knowledge and fortune-telling.
abstract: This study takes on a relational and situated perspective to understand the relationship between scientific knowledge and fortune-telling. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of scientific facts and methods, and fortune-telling beliefs and practices. A sample of 1863 adults was drawn from a population of Taiwanese citizens using the method of probability proportional to size. The findings showed that knowledge of scientific methods was negatively associated with fortune-telling beliefs. However, knowledge of scientific facts was, by and large, positively associated with engagement in fortune-telling practices, a phenomenon known as cognitive polyphasia. This study does not imply that science communication or education have no effect on promoting scientific knowledge; rather, it hopes to encourage researchers and practitioners to use a culturally sensitive lens to rethink the role of science in society and its relationship with other forms of knowledge and belief.
authors.affiliation: National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan taichu@mail.nsysu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Paichi Pat
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Shein
authors.affiliation: National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yuh-Yuh
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Tai-Chu
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D032882:Comprehension; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009781:Occultism; D012586:Science; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: public understanding of science; representations of science; science and popular culture; scientific literacy; social representations