Trying to change someone’s mind is no easy task, but researchers have studied the various pitfalls when it comes to correcting scientific myths

Getting people to believe you often takes more than just stating facts

Chon Kit Leong/Alamy Stock Photo

By Michael Le Page

FAMILY gatherings can bring up contentious topics we prefer to avoid, and with the festive season in full swing, it might be hard to dodge your more science-averse relatives. At some point, you know they will start spouting falsities, such as: “HIV doesn’t cause AIDS”, “Genetically modified foods are not safe to eat”, “Climate change is a conspiracy” or “Vaccines cause autism”. (Again, all these statements are untrue.)

If this happens, you don’t have to just sit there quietly …

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