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Dryad

Americans' multidimensional relationship with science

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Jul 16, 2026 version files 3.07 MB
Aug 17, 2026 version files 3.07 MB

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Abstract

Cultivating positive relationships between the public and scientific communities requires understanding how diverse populations relate to science and what strategies promote favorable outcomes. In 2021, using a demographically diverse online survey of residents of the United States (N = 1854) and the United Kingdom (N = 411), we evaluated the public’s relationship with science by examining science beliefs (perceived credibility and value of science) and science connections (science interest, self-efficacy, belonging, and identity). We also assessed participation in citizen science, demographic correlates of participation in citizen science, and public perceptions of other terms used to describe citizen science (e.g., community science, civic science, participatory research). This dataset contains responses related to all of those variables, but a variety of potential demographic predictors.