Date: Dec 04, 2019 03:00pm -4:30pm
Location: Dunton Tower : Room 2203
Title: Misinformation and what to do about it
Speaker: Kimberly Girling
Abstract
Misinformation is a growing issue that is threatening our democracy. In this workshop Dr. Kimberly Girling will present the latest psychological research on why we are so susceptible to misinformation, including cognitive bias and the ‘lazy thinking’ model, and how elements of our online environment exacerbate these conditions. Building on this understanding of why we are susceptible to misinformation, Dr. Girling will discuss why some common measures for combating misinformation, such as retractions and debunking, aren’t always effective. Finally, Dr. Girling will leave participants with actionable, evidence-based ways that individuals can work to combat misinformation.
Bio: Dr. Kimberly Girling is the Research and Policy Director at Evidence for Democracy, the leading fact-driven, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization promoting the transparent use of evidence in government decisions. Dr. Girling completed a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. During her work as a scientist, she developed a passion for science policy, and has participated in a number of initiatives relating to global and public health, drug policy and harm reduction. In 2016, Kimberly was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship, a program linking scientists with government policy. During her time in government, she worked as a Science Policy Analyst with Defence Research and Development Canada, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on a wide range of topics including ethics of emerging disruptive technologies and fundamental research funding.
Twitter: @kimberlygirling