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Science populism impacts perceptions of credibility across scientific professions
Blue Lerner1, Austin Y Hubner2, Hillary C Shulman3
1The School of Communication, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
Scientific Reports
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Science populism influences public trust in science. Understanding how different groups evaluate science sources, like research-based or government-based information, is key for effective science communication.
Area of Science:
- Science communication
- Public understanding of science
- Social science research
Background:
- Science populism, characterized by skepticism towards the scientific community, is a growing concern.
- Increasing political polarization necessitates understanding how skeptical audiences evaluate scientific information.
- Effective science communication strategies require knowledge of how different demographics perceive scientific sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of science populism and political ideology on credibility evaluations of various science professionals.
- To identify differences in source credibility ratings between high and low science populists.
- To explore the interaction between science populism and political ideology in shaping trust in science.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 875 U.S. adults.
- Assessment of science populism levels and political ideology.
- Evaluation of credibility ratings for different types of science information sources.
Main Results:
- High science populists rated all science information sources as less credible compared to low science populists.
- High science populists favored research-based sources, while low science populists preferred government-based sources.
- Medical doctors were rated as most credible by both high and low science populists.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight distinct credibility preferences between high and low science populists.
- An interaction between science populism and political ideology influences trust in science.
- Medical doctors represent a potentially effective communication channel for diverse audiences, including those skeptical of science.
Keywords:
Political ideologyScience communicationScience populismScience professionalsSource credibilityMore Related Videos
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