Whose Science Do You Believe? Explaining Trust in Sources of Scientific Information About the Environment

Abstract

Given that trust plays a key role in the communication of scientific information about the environment to the public, this study examines what explains trust in specific sources of such information. In doing so, it analyzes whether—and, if so, how—political ideology, support for environmental regulation, religiosity, trust in people, and trust in government predict trust in scientists, the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental organizations, news media, and science media. It also examines whether trust in scientists is associated with trust in the other sources in light of how each of the latter draws on the credibility of the former.

Public Knowledge and Trust of Agricultural and Natural Resources Organizations

“…Ruth posited that participants' views of genetically modified foods may have been strong enough that all sources were perceived the same for communicating the message. Regarding evaluation of environmental information, Brewer and Ley (2013) found that participants in the Milwaukee area trusted the EPA and environmental non-profits (e.g., Sierra Club) at a similar level. Lang (2013) found that environmental non-profits were trusted by the U.S. public more than governmental and for-profit organizations, which had similar levels of public trust.…”

“…Over the past 35 years, the public has become increasingly distrustful of government organizations (Birkland, 2011). This dwindling trust in the government could potentially extend to organizations that regulate in the realm of agriculture and natural resources, though past research results vary regarding perceptions of trust of government agencies (Brewer & Ley, 2013;Irani et al, 2001;Lang, 2013;Martin et al, 2016;Mase et al, 2015;Ruth, 2015). If members of the public lack knowledge and rely on trusted organizations to shape their decisions (Brossard & Nisbet, 2007), understanding the public's trust of organizations that communicate about agricultural and natural resources issues is imperative.…”

Journal of Applied Communications, 2017, vol. 101, no. 2 Full Issue

“…Agricultural communicators need to understand which organizations members of the public trust to understand which organizations will be the most successful when communicating about agricultural and natural resources issues. While previous studies have assessed and compared trust of organizations related to agricultural and natural resources issues (Auger, 2011;Brewer & Ley, 2013;Lang, 2013;Mase et al, 2015;Martin et al, 2016;Ruth, 2015), none of those studies assessed multiple issues with a nationally representative sample.…”

“…As the agricultural industry continues to struggle with the public's lack of knowledge and awareness members for agricultural and natural resources issues, it is important that the awareness, knowledge, and trust of organizations communicating about agricultural and natural resource issues continue to be assessed (Brewer & Ley, 2013;Frick et al, 1995;Kovar & Ball, 2013;Mase et al, 2015;Meischen & Trexler, 2003). By understanding levels of awareness, knowledge, and trust of organizations that communicate about agricultural and natural resources issues, the industry can better understand how to improve communications and consumer understanding in the future.…”

“…For an organization to communicate effectively with the public, trust is a necessary component. (Brewer & Ley, 2013;Lang, 2013;Martin et al, 2016;Mase et al, 2015;Ruth, 2015). If members of the public lack knowledge and rely on trusted organizations to shape their decisions (Brossard & Nisbet, 2007), understanding the public's trust of organizations that communicate about agricultural and natural resources issues is imperative.…”