A Meta-Analysis Study on Scientists' Intentions to Engage in Science Popularization

Scientists are assuming crucial roles in the dissemination of scientific knowledge, with their propensity for public engagement directly impacting societal acceptance of science. Despite a growing body of research on the factors influencing scientists to engage in science communication, a consensus has yet to be reached. By integrating empirical research samples from SSCI-indexed journals to identify key factors affecting the science communication intentions of scientists, the theoretical framing and empirical direction will be provided for scientific dissemination. Based on a systematic review of the literature, including 17 sample articles, this research paper employs Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software to conduct heterogeneity tests, publication bias tests, and effect size tests. The study systematically assessed the impact of nine factors, including self-efficacy, participation attitude, normative beliefs, descriptive beliefs, response efficacy, perceived behavioral control, ethical beliefs, audience perception, and financial support, on scientists’ intention to engage in science popularization. The results indicate that self-efficacy, response efficacy, and ethical beliefs significantly and positively influence scientists’ intention to engage in science popularization, with response efficacy being the most pronounced. Normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control exert a moderating effect to some extent, accounting for heterogeneity among studies. Financial support, while positively associated, has a relatively weak impact. Our study suggests that strengthening scientists’ awareness, innovating in science popularization models, establishing support systems for popularization, and constructing professional development platforms are promising avenues to enhance scientists’ motivation for scientific communication.