Outsciencing the scientists: a cross-sectional mixed-methods investigation of public trust in scientists in seven European countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In this era of global health crises, public trust in scientists is a crucial determinant of adherence to public health recommendations. Studies of trust in scientists often link sociodemographic and other factors to such adherence but rely on assumptions about scientists and neglect scientific uncertainty. We undertook a cross-sectional mixed-methods study evaluating factors associated with public trust of scientists in Europe, investigating how and why respondents embraced certain claims in scientific debates.

Methods

A survey was administered to 7000 participants across seven European countries in December 2020. Data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, trust in scientists, information source preferences, COVID-19 experiences and beliefs about pandemic o

SUBMITTER: Heyerdahl LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11812721 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature