Predictors and effects of scientific knowledge

PurposeScientific knowledge has been a topic of interest for scholars for a long time; however, its impact on scientific decision- making and determining trust is severely underresearched. This study is aimed at determining the relationship between cultural and social attitudes and scientific knowle...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sociology and social policy 2022-08, Vol.42 (9/10), p.865-876
Main Authors: Milošević-Đorđević, Jasna, Kljajić, Duško, Sladojević Matić, Jelena, Đurić, Živojin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Cognition & reasoning
Communitarianism
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Cultural values
Decision making
Egalitarianism
Emotions
Experts
Households
Individualism
Knowledge
Pandemics
Public opinion
Science
Scientific knowledge
Scientists
Social attitudes
Social values
Sociology
Trust
Womens health
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Summary:PurposeScientific knowledge has been a topic of interest for scholars for a long time; however, its impact on scientific decision- making and determining trust is severely underresearched. This study is aimed at determining the relationship between cultural and social attitudes and scientific knowledge and the impact of knowledge on trust in scientists in general.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a face-to-face survey, drawing from a nationally representative sample of the adult Serbian population (N = 1,451). The authors tested the following parameters: a. the levels of scientific knowledge within the Serbian population; b. social and cultural values as predictors of scientific knowledge and c. the effects of scientific knowledge on trust in scientists.FindingsThe analysis shows a moderate level of scientific knowledge, predominantly positive public attitudes towards scientists. The authors found that scientific knowledge indeed predicts trust in scientists on various issues, and so do cultural and social worldviews, both directly and even more significantly through the mediation of scientific knowledge.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to assess the level of scientific knowledge among the Serbian public and evaluate its, as well as other factors', influence on public attitudes toward scientists in a time when trusting experts is of great relevance.
ISSN:0144-333X
1758-6720
DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-06-2021-0159