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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0PLOS One

Beyond deficit and coexistence: Modeling the knowledge–conspiracy–mistrust configuration in public understanding of science

  • Ahmet Süerdem1
  • Svetlomir Zdravkov2
  • Martin J. Ivanov
  1. 1Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Türkiye
  2. 2Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Abstract

Debates about public trust in science often contrast deficit-based models, which emphasize the role of scientific knowledge, with constructivist perspectives that highlight the coexistence of multiple epistemologies. However, both approaches tend to overlook the mechanisms that link scientific knowledge, alternative epistemic orientations, and mistrust in science. To address this gap, the study applies a multilevel structural equation model within a multidimensional framework to examine conspiratorial reasoning as a key mechanism through which scientific knowledge influences science mistrust. Using cross-national survey data from Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis also considers how this pathway is moderated by individual cognitive, motivational, and ideological traits, as well as macro-level political, cultural and economic factors. The findings reveal that conspiratorial reasoning significantly mediates the relationship between scientific knowledge and mistrust at both individual and regional levels. Moreover, the strength of these associations is conditioned by factors like informational engagement, regional value climates, and religiosity. Overall, the results suggest that scientific knowledge serves as a conditional epistemic resource, rather than a consistent buffer against mistrust in science.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{suerdem2026beyond,
  title = {{Beyond deficit and coexistence: Modeling the knowledge–conspiracy–mistrust configuration in public understanding of science}},
  author = {Ahmet Süerdem and Svetlomir Zdravkov and Martin J. Ivanov},
  journal = {PLOS One},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0341946},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341946},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Beyond deficit and coexistence: Modeling the knowledge–conspiracy–mistrust configuration in public understanding of science
AU  - Ahmet Süerdem
AU  - Svetlomir Zdravkov
AU  - Martin J. Ivanov
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/18
JO  - PLOS One
DO  - 10.1371/journal.pone.0341946
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341946
AB  - Debates about public trust in science often contrast deficit-based models, which emphasize the role of scientific knowledge, with constructivist perspectives that highlight the coexistence of multiple epistemologies. However, both approaches tend to overlook the mechanisms that link scientific knowledge, alternative epistemic orientations, and mistrust in science. To address this gap, the study applies a multilevel structural equation model within a multidimensional framework to examine conspiratorial reasoning as a key mechanism through which scientific knowledge influences science mistrust. Using cross-national survey data from Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis also considers how this pathway is moderated by individual cognitive, motivational, and ideological traits, as well as macro-level political, cultural and economic factors. The findings reveal that conspiratorial reasoning significantly mediates the relationship between scientific knowledge and mistrust at both individual and regional levels. Moreover, the strength of these associations is conditioned by factors like informational engagement, regional value climates, and religiosity. Overall, the results suggest that scientific knowledge serves as a conditional epistemic resource, rather than a consistent buffer against mistrust in science.
SN  - 1932-6203
ER  -