The National Science Foundation’s science and technology survey and support for science funding, 2006–2014

Besley, John C.

doi:10.1177/0963662516649803

Cited by 45 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…gender, age) are standard in social science research, but may have substantive associations with dependent variables. For example, to a limited degree, male, older, and more educated people offer more positive views of science and technology (Besley, 2018). Non-White, less-educated, and politically conservative respondents were more likely to oppose policy being informed by scientific evidence (Gauchat, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Americans’ views of scientists’ motivations for scientific work

Johnson

Dieckmann

2019

Public Underst Sci

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Scholars have not examined public views of scientific motivations directly, despite scientific authority implications. A US representative sample rated 11 motivations both descriptively (they do motivate scientists’ work) and normatively (they should motivate scientists) for scientists employed by federal government agency, large business corporation, advocacy group (nonprofit seeking to influence policy), or university. Descriptive and normative ratings fell into extrinsic (money, fame, power, being liked, helping employer) and intrinsic (do good science, enjoy challenge, helping society and others) motivation factors; being independent and gaining respect were outliers. People saw intrinsic motivations as more common, but wanted intrinsic motivations to dominate extrinsic ones even more. Despite a few differences for extrinsic-motivation ratings, the lay public tended to see scientific work as similarly motivated regardless of the employer. Variance in perceived science motivations was explained by scientific beliefs (positivism, credibility) and knowledge (of facts and scientific reasoning), complemented by political ideology and religiosity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dunlap et al, 2016; Gauchat, 2012; McCright et al, 2013). For example, political conservatives have reported less support for science funding (Besley, 2018). Religiosity has had mixed effects on perceptions of and support for science in research to date (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Americans’ views of scientists’ motivations for scientific work

Johnson

Dieckmann

2019

Public Underst Sci

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“…Latest research has shown that citizens' support for science strongly depends on their interest, trust and general (positive) attitudes towards research (Besley, 2016). These aspects are, again, strongly related to science communication, as many citizens (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Between Active Seekers and Non-Users: Segments of Science-related Media Usage in Switzerland and Germany

Metag

Maier

Füchslin

et al. 2018

Environmental Communication

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Citizens' attitudes toward science are related to their use of science-related information from various sources. Evidence is scarce regarding citizens' individual media repertoires for staying informed about science as segmentation studies so far have primarily focused on scientific attitudes. In this paper, we explore audience segments regarding their science-related information behavior and whether such segments are comparable or vary between two countries with similar information environments. Based on two surveys in Switzerland and Germany, we identify national audience segments that differ in their sciencerelated information repertoires, and analyze their sociodemographic characteristics and science-related attitudes. In both countries, we find very comparable information user segments ranging from those who inform themselves frequently about science ("Active Seekers"/"Science Consumers") to those who hardly get in contact with any information about science and research ("Non-Users"). Those segments which get in contact with information about science frequently show generally more positive attitudes. AbstractCitizens' attitudes towards science are related to their use of science-related information from various sources. Evidence is scarce regarding citizens' individual media repertoires for staying informed about science as segmentation studies so far have primarily focused on scientific attitudes. In this paper, we explore audience segments regarding their science-related information behavior and whether such segments are comparable or vary between two countries with similar information environments. Based on two surveys in Switzerland and Germany, we identify national audience segments that differ in their sciencerelated information repertoires, analyze their sociodemographic characteristics and sciencerelated attitudes. In both countries, we find very comparable information user segments ranging from those who inform themselves frequently about science ("Active Seekers"/

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“…Despite the potential policy importance of federal funding for the sciences, few studies (Kahan, 2016b) have attempted to understand why Americans support or oppose science funding (Besley, 2016). Several studies have shown that Americans who lack basic knowledge about scientific topics are less supportive of federal funding (e.g.…”

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confidence: 99%

Explaining science funding attitudes in the United States: The case for science interest

Motta

2018

Public Underst Sci

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While most Americans recognize the importance of funding scientific research, many are satisfied with status quo funding, and only a minority see a need for increased federal support. This poses a potential challenge to scientists' abilities to address complex policy problems, like climate change. Previous correlational research suggests that public opposition to science funding is (at least in part) the result of low levels of knowledge about the basics of science. Leveraging panel data from two nationally representative studies (2008-2014), I show that people who become more interested in science over time but not those who become more knowledgable are more likely to favor increasing public support for scientific research. These results hold when controlling for other known correlates of science funding attitudes (e.g. political ideology, religiosity). I conclude by discussing the potential benefits of prioritizing science communication and science education efforts to increase public science interest.

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The National Science Foundation’s science and technology survey and support for science funding, 2006–2014

Cited by 45 publications

References 31 publications

Americans’ views of scientists’ motivations for scientific work

Americans’ views of scientists’ motivations for scientific work

Between Active Seekers and Non-Users: Segments of Science-related Media Usage in Switzerland and Germany

Explaining science funding attitudes in the United States: The case for science interest

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