THE MARKETING OF SCIENCE: A CASE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF MISINFORMATION ON PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENT

Scientific ideas and traditional products can be marketed in similar ways and neither is immune to the effects of misinformation.As highlighted in a short case study, this article attracts attention to the misinformation surrounding the scientific pursuit of the origin of life and the distribution channels that have contributed to the spread of such misinformation.Specifically, this article looks at perceptions of scientific accomplishment in the area of abiogenesis.It discusses how perceptions of scientific accomplishment may be created and altered through both intended and unintended distribution channels.Over 70% of participants in this study appear to hold false perceptions about scientific accomplishment in abiogenesis.Such false perceptions may be impacted by misinformation.Marketing educators may use this study to introduce the concept of ideas as products and also discuss the impact of misinformation in both intended and unintended distribution channels.