The Sagan Effect and Scientists' Public Outreach Participation in China: Multilayered Roles of Social Norms and Rewards. Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Anfan; Zhang, Xing; Jin, Jianbin
• Other Names: Griffin Robert J. guest-editor.; Priest Susanna Hornig guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 45:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: public outreach -- Sagan effect -- negative personal norms -- social norms -- intrinsic and extrinsic rewards; 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: 10.1177/10755470221143077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

In this study, we investigate public outreach participation among Chinese scientists through a multiple mediation model. Factors related to the Sagan effect—negative experiences and negative personal norms—are examined as potential predictors and/or mediators. Based on a national survey of 8, 533 scientists, we validate the Sagan effect triggered by their negative experiences, which indirectly inhibit their outreach participation intentions through negative personal norms. Moreover, positive social norms and rewards play multilayered roles in mitigating the Sagan effect and improving such intentions. This study provides a more comprehensive examination of the underlying mechanisms behind scientists' willingness to engage with the public.