Download Cognitive polyphasia in the MMR controversy: a theoretical and

Cognitive polyphasia in the
MMR controversy: a
theoretical and empirical
investigation
Claudine Provencher
London School of Economics
Objectives
To examine the hypothesis of cognitive
polyphasia through the MMR
controversy
To propose a theoretical framework for
the operationalisation of cognitive
polyphasia
Research questions
From problematic health-related
decisions to individual cognitions and
actions?
The end of traditional partitions between
types of knowledge?
Cognitive polyphasia: a bridge between
SRT and social cognition?
The MMR vaccine controversy
Dr Wakefield’s study
Latest developments
A good case study?
Synchronic analysis
Model integrating elements of social
cognition and theory of social
representations
Two sets of hypotheses
– Types of knowledge
– Heuristic-systematic model bis
Typologies of knowledge
Bruner’s narrative vs paradigmatic
modes of cognitive functioning
Moscovici’s ‘formations mentales’
Gurvitch’s types of knowledge
Proposed model
Methodology
Media analysis
Specialist interviews
Focus group discussions
Individual interviews
Results: 4 exemplars
“Science is enough”
“Science is enough but…”
“Science is not enough”
“Narratives are enough”
To conclude
My definition of cognitive polyphasia
Cognitive monophasia - a possibility
Pivotal role played by specific social
representations
Areas for further research