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The Value in Science: Perceptions of Religiosity Influence Trust of Scientists

Beauchamp, Alexandra L.

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Experimental Psychology (Arts and Sciences).
With the large number of controversies surrounding some recent topics in science, such as vaccinations or climate change, science skepticism in the United States is growing. This research aims to examine one group, Christians, and how their evaluations of scientists are influenced by both the scientist’s religiosity and the type of research the scientist conducts. Two pilot studies showed that Christians are less trusting of science focused on policy change (i.e. impact science) than of science focused on producing technology (i.e. production science), and that Christians distrust Atheist scientists more so than other religiously-identified scientists. Three studies further examined the relationship between religious affiliation and trustworthiness by exploring science type and information type (morality/competence) respectively as moderators, as well as potential mediators (e.g. perceived threat from science to religion, inferred scientists’ motives). Findings indicated a consistent main effect of religious affiliation on trustworthiness, an effect mediated by perceived benevolence motives. Specifically, Atheist scientists were found to be less trustworthy than any religiously affiliated group, due to the belief that Atheist scientists were less motivated to help humanity.
Kimberly Rios, Dr. (Advisor)
113 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Beauchamp, A. L. (2018). The Value in Science: Perceptions of Religiosity Influence Trust of Scientists [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1530543806752117

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Beauchamp, Alexandra. The Value in Science: Perceptions of Religiosity Influence Trust of Scientists. 2018. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1530543806752117.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Beauchamp, Alexandra. "The Value in Science: Perceptions of Religiosity Influence Trust of Scientists." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1530543806752117

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)