The Mixer
A Groundbreaking Study, but Was It a Fraud?
UCLA graduate student Michael LaCour published a study in Science magazine last December, suggesting that people who opposed or were on the fence about same-sex marriage can be convinced to change their minds after having a conversation with a gay or lesbian canvasser. But another doctoral student at UC-Berkeley pointed out irregularities in the research.
By Steve Chiotakis • • 8m ListenUCLA graduate student Michael LaCour published a study in Science magazine last December, suggesting that people who opposed or were on the fence about same-sex marriage can be convinced to change their minds after having a conversation with a gay or lesbian canvasser. It’s been reported all over the place. But another doctoral student at UC-Berkeley pointed out irregularities in the research. UCLA is investigating the accusations and retractions. In the meantime, LaCour’s doctorate, and a recent offer of a teaching job at Princeton, all hang in the balance. KCRW's Steve Chiotakis spoke with Tom Bartlett, who’s been following the case for The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Jesse Singal, a senior editor at New York Magazine.
