Why did a 2016 study exclude chemtrail researchers?

A 2016 study excluded chemtrail researchers primarily due to the difficulties in engaging with conspiracy theorists, as outlined in discussions from the podcast Stuff You Should Know. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explored the challenges researchers face when attempting to communicate scientific evidence to those who hold conspiracy beliefs. They noted that attempts to rationally explain phenomena, like the existence of contrails versus the supposed “chemtrails,” often lead conspiracy theorists to dismiss scientific rebuttals as part of the conspiracy itself, thereby shutting down constructive dialogue entirely 1.

The exclusion may also relate to the study's focus on scientifically validated perspectives rather than speculative ones, ensuring more reliable findings without the biases introduced by conspiratorial thinking. The conversation suggests that such exclusion is a method to maintain research integrity and focus on empirical evidence rather than unfounded claims.