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Controversy matters: Impacts of topic and solution controversy on the perceived credibility of a scientist who advocates

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  • Lindsey Beall
  • Teresa A Myers
  • John E Kotcher
  • Emily K Vraga
  • Edward W Maibach

Abstract

In this article, we focus on the potential influence of a scientist’s advocacy position on the public’s perceived credibility of scientists as a whole. Further, we examine how the scientist’s solution position (information only, non-controversial, and controversial) affects the public’s perception of the scientist’s motivation for sharing information about specific issues (flu, marijuana, climate change, severe weather). Finally, we assess how perceived motivations mediate the relationship between solution position and credibility. Using data from a quota sample of American adults obtained by Qualtrics (n = 2,453), we found that in some conditions advocating for a solution positively predicted credibility, while in one condition, it negatively predicted scientist credibility. We also found that the influence of solution position on perceived credibility was mediated by several motivation perceptions; most notably through perception that the scientist was motivated to: (a) serve the public and (b) persuade the public. Further results and implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindsey Beall & Teresa A Myers & John E Kotcher & Emily K Vraga & Edward W Maibach, 2017. "Controversy matters: Impacts of topic and solution controversy on the perceived credibility of a scientist who advocates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(11), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0187511
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187511
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Donner, 2014. "Finding your place on the science – advocacy continuum: an editorial essay," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 124(1), pages 1-8, May.
    2. Richard G. Peters & Vincent T. Covello & David B. McCallum, 1997. "The Determinants of Trust and Credibility in Environmental Risk Communication: An Empirical Study," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 43-54, February.
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