Understanding public preferences for learning about uncertain science
Measurement and individual difference correlates
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22093034 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chelsea L Ratcliff (0000-0002-8066-1233, University of Georgia, corresponding author), Blue Harvill (The Ohio State University), Rebekah Wicke (0000-0003-4047-4748, Cornell University) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Publication date | 2023-12-08 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Communication (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2297-900X • E-ISSN: 2297-900X |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fcomm.2023.1245786 |
| OpenAlex | W4389481440 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 5 |
| References cited | 62 |
Although uncertainty is inherent in science, public audiences vary in their openness to information about preliminary discoveries and the caveats and limitations of research. These preferences shape responses to science communication, and science communicators often adapt messaging based on assumed preferences. However, there has not been a validated instrument for examining these preferences. Here, we present an instrument to capture preferences for information about uncertainty in science, validated with a large U.S. adult sample. Factor analysis results show that preferring certain scientific information and preferring uncertain scientific information are orthogonal constructs requiring separate measures. The final Preference for Information about Uncertain Science (or “PIUS-11”) scale comprises two dimensions: preferring complete information ( i.e., caveats, limitations, and hedging included) and being open to learning about preliminary science . The final Preference for Certain Science Information (or “PCSI-9”) scale comprises two dimensions: preferring streamlined information ( i.e., caveats, limitations, and hedging removed ) and preferring to learn only about established science . We present psychometric properties of each scale and report observed relationships between each set of preferences and an individual's scientific understanding, trust in science, need for cognitive closure, and sociodemographic factors
Data science · Mathematics education · Open Science · Openness to experience · Preference · Science communication · Science education · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Computer Science · Mathematics · Media Influence and Health · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Psychology · Social Psychology
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Understanding responses to different types of conflicting information about cancer prevention
Scientific Uncertainty in the Press
Communicating Scientific Uncertainty Across the Dissemination Trajectory
The Effects of Uncertainty Frames in Three Science Communication Topics
Using Weight-of-Experts Messaging to Communicate Accurately About Contested Science
How Laypeople Understand the Tentativeness of Medical Research News in the Media
Individual differences in need for cognitive closure
Disclose your flaws! Admission positively affects the perceived trustworthiness of an expert science blogger
Does Partisanship Shape Attitudes toward Science and Public Policy? The Case for Ideology and Religion
Tolerance of uncertainty
| Unique citing works | 5 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 5 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |