Americans’ multidimensional relationship with science: Is citizen science a path forward?
- 1Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- 2Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- 3Department of STEM Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
Abstract
Cultivating positive relationships between the public and scientific communities requires understanding how diverse populations relate to science and what strategies promote favorable outcomes. In 2021, we evaluated Americans’ relationship with science by examining science beliefs (perceived credibility and value of science) and science connections (science interest, self-efficacy, belonging, and identity) using a demographically-diverse online survey of US residents (N = 1854). Most Americans expressed interest in science (60%) and believed science has value to society (68%). However, women and individuals without a graduate degree were less likely to be interested, and Black Americans were less likely to report value of science. Fewer Americans (39%) felt a sense of belonging to science and only 43% believed science was credible. Citizen science participation was a strong positive correlate of science connections and perceived value of science but inversely associated with perceived credibility of science. Approximately 14% of Americans participated in citizen science, and women, Asian, and Hispanic Americans were underrepresented. Citizen science represents a promising pathway for promoting positive views of science, but it needs to reach diverse audiences, including those already experiencing strained relationships with science, to effectively strengthen relations between science and society.
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BibTeX
@article{joyner2026americans,
title = {{Americans’ multidimensional relationship with science: Is citizen science a path forward?}},
author = {Brooklynn N. Joyner and Lincoln R. Larson and Caren B. Cooper and K.C. Busch and Corey Johnson},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0357476},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357476},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Americans’ multidimensional relationship with science: Is citizen science a path forward?
AU - Brooklynn N. Joyner
AU - Lincoln R. Larson
AU - Caren B. Cooper
AU - K.C. Busch
AU - Corey Johnson
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/11
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0357476
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357476
AB - Cultivating positive relationships between the public and scientific communities requires understanding how diverse populations relate to science and what strategies promote favorable outcomes. In 2021, we evaluated Americans’ relationship with science by examining science beliefs (perceived credibility and value of science) and science connections (science interest, self-efficacy, belonging, and identity) using a demographically-diverse online survey of US residents (N = 1854). Most Americans expressed interest in science (60%) and believed science has value to society (68%). However, women and individuals without a graduate degree were less likely to be interested, and Black Americans were less likely to report value of science. Fewer Americans (39%) felt a sense of belonging to science and only 43% believed science was credible. Citizen science participation was a strong positive correlate of science connections and perceived value of science but inversely associated with perceived credibility of science. Approximately 14% of Americans participated in citizen science, and women, Asian, and Hispanic Americans were underrepresented. Citizen science represents a promising pathway for promoting positive views of science, but it needs to reach diverse audiences, including those already experiencing strained relationships with science, to effectively strengthen relations between science and society.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -