Understanding Scientists' Willingness to Engage. Issue 5 (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Besley, John C.; Dudo, Anthony; Yuan, Shupei; Lawrence, Frank
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 40:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 559
• Page End: 590
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: scientists -- theory of planned behavior -- public engagement -- science communication -- norms -- efficacy; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547018786561
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

A set of parallel surveys of scientists from multiple scientific societies finds that the most consistent predictors of willingness to take part in engagement activities with the public are a belief that she or he will enjoy the experience (attitude), make a difference through engagement (response efficacy), and has the time to engage. Age, sex, scientific field, what a scientist thinks about the public, perceived personal engagement skill (self-efficacy), and what a scientist thinks about her or his colleagues (normative beliefs) are inconsistent predictors. Research may be needed to find how to shape scientists' engagement views in ways that are both effective and acceptable.