Acknowledging Uncertainty and the Scientific Process Increases Perceived Trustworthiness and Understanding of Public

Brian Southwell1, Sarah E Sheff, Linda Squiers

  • 1Author Affiliations: RTI International, Triangle Park, NC, USA (Drs Southwell, Sheff, Squiers, and Madson); and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Triangle Park, NC, USA (Dr Mitchell, Dr Pechta, Mss Sokler, and Mitchko).

Summary

Enhanced public health messages acknowledging uncertainty and explaining science significantly boost trustworthiness and understanding. Clear communication about foodborne illness outbreaks improves community relations.

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