The image of science: Analyzing the influence of knowledge, interest and perception in the willingness to engage in science in Europe and US

Abstract

This study is aimed at analyzing the influence of knowledge, interest and perception (elements of the image of science) in the willingness to engage in science using Structural Equation Modelling. Three datasets are analyzed to compare countries and indicators: the 2018 edition of the US General Social Survey, the Eurobarometer 79.2 of 2013, and the 2018 edition of the Spanish Survey of Social Perception of Science and Technology. The results show that: (1) knowledge is the main determinant; (2) when available, self-perceived efficacy regarding science is a better indicator than “textbook” knowledge; and (3) there are differences in engagement that seem to be influenced by the particular scientific culture of the country.