Project description
Addressing societally harmful, resistant beliefs
We are bombarded daily by public reports containing misinformation, often resulting in resistant beliefs opposed to scientific facts. This can create serious problems for society at large. In this context, the EU-funded Ind-Soc-Bel-Net project will explore how resistant beliefs form and why some are more resistant than others. It will also study the role of the individual and social networks and propose ways to reduce such resistance. Specifically, the project will develop and test a unifying theoretical framework on the dynamics of belief change. It adopts a transdisciplinary network perspective drawing from psychology, sociology, economics, computer science and statistical physics. The project will contribute to novelty interventions to tackle societally harmful beliefs.
Objective
Resistant beliefs inconsistent with scientific knowledge can pose societal threats. To provide a deeper understanding how resistant beliefs form and can be changed, I integrate research on individual belief networks (i.e. how beliefs are connected within individuals) with research on social belief networks (i.e. how beliefs are connected between individuals). The resulting joint framework implies that belief resistance is largely determined by the network structure of beliefs – beliefs highly connected to other beliefs on the individual and social level are the most resistant to change. In three subprojects, I will investigate belief resistance using a broad range of methods. Subproject 1 will involve the development of a formal model integrating individual and social level research on belief dynamics. Subproject 2 will involve a longitudinal study to investigate how individual and social networks of beliefs interact. Subproject 3 will consist of four experimental studies testing interventions to lower belief resistance. The interdisciplinary nature of the project will provide important theoretical advancements for different research fields focusing on belief dynamics. Ultimately, my project will contribute to interventions tackling societally detrimental beliefs. During the three-year fellowship, I will receive training in complex systems theory and training in conducting complex longitudinal and experimental studies. In addition to conducting the subprojects, deliverables will include three scientific articles, presentations at five conferences, and several events for communicating my research to a broader audience. The fellowship will (1) provide me with ample networking opportunities, (2) train me in transferable skills, such as improved grant writing skills, and (3) allow me to further sharpen my profile as an independent researcher with a unique skill set. As a result, the fellowship will significantly improve my future employability.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1012WX Amsterdam
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.