Do opinion leaders know more? Knowledge accuracy, self-confidence, and media use in agricultural issues.

ABSTRACT: This empirical study examines the relationship between knowledge accuracy, self-confidence, and perceived opinion leadership in the context of agricultural issues. Using data from a representative online survey of the German population (n = 2,022), the study analyses how objective factual knowledge and subjective confidence are associated with individuals' self-reported role as opinion leaders, with particular attention to confidence calibration and the Dunning-Kruger Effect (DKE). The theoretical framing integrates Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Two-Step Flow of Communication Model (TSFCM) as heuristic perspectives for understanding social learning and information exchange, while explicitly acknowledging their limitations in contemporary media environments. Across nine factual know

SUBMITTER: Gabriel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12829936 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature