Science communication and public trust in science through an audience-centered quality perspective
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: This essay defines what counts as "good science communication" for fostering public trust in science. Because information about science reaches the public via intermediaries, design must translate complex knowledge while managing ambiguity and uncertainty. Communication research shows audience expectations shape evaluations of messages and of science itself. Accordingly, this essay begins with the audience-centred Quality Assessment Scale from the Audience's Perspective-fifteen dimensions (e.g., correctness, clarity, credibility, relevance, dialogue)-and then conceptualizes trust with the Public Trust in Science Scale as multilevel and multidimensional (expertise, integrity, benevolence, transparency, dialogue orientation). Mapping quality signals to trust outcomes yields testable recommendations for strategies that balance detail, uncertainty, relevance, and engagement without sacrificing rigor, offering a basis for designing, measuring, and iterating trust-building communication.
Source: Current Opinion in Psychology
Author: Monika Taddicken
Institution: Technische Universität Braunschweig
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,260
OpenAlex ID: W7114992280