Strategic science communication as planned behavior: Understanding scientists' willingness to choose specific tactics

PLoS One. 2019 Oct 22;14(10):e0224039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224039. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Strategic science communicators need to select tactics that can help them achieve both their short-term communication objectives and long-term behavioral goals. However, little previous research has sought to develop theory aimed at understanding what makes it more likely that a communicator will prioritize specific communication tactics. The current study aims to advance the development of a theory of strategic science communication as planned behavior based on the Integrated Behavioral Model. It does so in the context of exploring Canadian scientists' self-reported willingness to prioritize six different tactics as a function of attitudinal, normative, and efficacy beliefs. The results suggest that scientists' beliefs about ethicality, norms, response efficacy, and self-efficacy, are all meaningful predictors of willingness to prioritize specific tactics. Differences between scientists in terms of demographics and related variables provide only limited benefit in predicting such willingness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Theory*
  • Science / methods*
  • Science / standards*
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Self Efficacy*

Grants and funding

The authors received no extramural funding for this work. Funding was provided through internal university grants and research funds.