Seeing the elephant : development of a science communication engagement response scale

Scientists are being called to communicate with the public beyond simple interactions and knowledge transfer. Public engagement with science is now the main outreach method used to increase positive beliefs, favorable attitudes, and behaviors with science. Extant research has outlined key contributors of scientists’ willingness to engage with the public, but less is known about the quality of those engagement activities. Relevant theory is outlined in this dissertation through multiple research areas that complete the picture of science communication engagement response. This audience focused variable is then operationalized through scale development procedures that involve item creation, expert interviews, survey distribution, and item factorization. A one factor scale with 12 presents a wholistic engagement measure that demonstrates reliability, content validity, and construct validity. Discussion of intended uses for practitioners and future research follows.