The public tends to exaggerate the dangers of nuclear energy, mistakenly associating it with various environmental problems such as ozone depletion and the production of CO2. First, we ask whether such specific misconceptions, potentially acquired through the media, cause negative attitudes towards nuclear energy, or if holding negative attitudes towards nuclear energy prompts people to develop specific misconceptions. In Experiments 1 and 2 (UK and France, N = 402) participants were more likely to attribute to nuclear energy the production of hazardous substances produced by renewable energy and made-up hazardous substances. This suggests that specific misconceptions about nuclear energy can stem from pre-existing negative attitudes. Second, we ask whether correcting specific misconceptions leads to less negative attitudes about nuclear energy. In Experiments 3 and 4 (UK and France, N = 601), participants were exposed to pro-nuclear energy arguments, one of which informed them of its low CO2 emissions. This argument led to a decrease in the perception that nuclear energy contributes to climate change. Thus, even if specific misconceptions about nuclear energy derive from broadly negative attitudes, addressing these misconceptions can still help align public opinion with expert opinion.
Variation of Public Opinion Regarding Nuclear Energy with the Change of Nuclear Information by the Media.
