What factors predict scientists' Intentions to participate in public engagement of science activities?

Ellen Poliakoff, Thomas L. Webb

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    There is a drive for more scientists to engage with the lay public. The authors used an augmented version of the theory of planned behavior and identified three factors that predicted scientists' intentions to participate in public engagement activities, over and above their past actions: attitude (whether participation was regarded as positive), perceived behavioral control (beliefs about whether participation was under their control), and descriptive norms (whether scientists believe their colleagues participate). Factors such as career recognition and time constraints did not significantly predict intentions. These findings will contribute to the design of interventions to promote public engagement.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)242-263
    Number of pages21
    JournalScience Communication
    Volume29
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2007

    Keywords

    • Descriptive norm
    • Moral norm
    • Perceived behavioral control
    • Public engagement
    • Scientist participation
    • Theory of planned behavior

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'What factors predict scientists' Intentions to participate in public engagement of science activities?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this