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http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6578
Title: | Perceived efficacy and attitudes towards genetic science and science governance |
Authors: | Knight, T Barnett, J |
Keywords: | Public involvement;Genetic science;Efficacy;Science governance |
Issue Date: | 2010 |
Publisher: | Sage Publications |
Citation: | Public Understanding of Science, 19(4):386-402, Jul 2010 |
Abstract: | Arguments for public involvement in science and technology are often based on ideas of developing a more capable public and the assumed effects this may have for science. However, such a relationship is yet to be sufficiently explored and recent work indicates that a more involved public may have counterintuitive effects. Using nationally representative survey data for the UK and Northern Ireland, the effects of the public's own beliefs about involvement are explored. Developing the concept of "belief in public efficacy," findings suggest those who believe that the public might be able to affect the course of decision making have less approving attitudes towards future applications of genetic science; however, an individual's political efficacy does not significantly influence these attitudes. Furthermore, political efficacy and belief in public efficacy have some distinct and opposing relationships with the principles of governance people prefer. Overall, findings provide support for suggestions that it is simplistic to consider increasing public involvement as a way of increasing the approval of risky new technologies. |
Description: | This is the postprint version of the Article. The official published version can be obtained from the link below - © 2010 SAGE Publications. |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6578 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0963662509352952 |
ISSN: | 0963-6625 |
Appears in Collections: | Publications Computer Science Dept of Computer Science Research Papers |
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