Scientists' public engagement goals: Perceived importance and personal prioritization

Area of Science:

• Scientific communication
• Behavioral science
• Sociology of science

Background:

• Understanding scientists' motivations for public engagement is crucial for effective science communication.
• The Integrated Behavioral Model provides a framework for analyzing factors influencing scientific behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the importance of public engagement goals and personal goal prioritization among scientists.
• To identify key predictors of these goals based on scientists' beliefs and perceptions.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 1897 scientists in the United States and Canada across six scientific fields.
• The Integrated Behavioral Model was used to analyze the survey data.

Main Results:

• Scientists' beliefs about societal benefits (attitudes) were the strongest predictors of public engagement goal importance and personal goal prioritization.
• Beliefs about personal benefits, self-efficacy (agency), and social norms also influenced personal goal prioritization.
• Few differences were observed between basic and applied scientists, or across the six scientific fields studied.

Conclusions:

• Communicating the societal benefits of scientific goals is more effective than focusing on norms or efficacy when engaging scientists.
• These findings can inform strategies for promoting scientists' involvement in public engagement activities.