Title
Which scientist are you? Creating self-outgroup overlap with a scientist through a personality matching game
Author(s)
Beauchamp, Alexandra L.; Roberts, Su-Jen; Piper, Craig
Published
2023
Publisher
Journal of Science Communication
Abstract
Based in intergroup contact theory, we investigated how messaging about shared characteristics affects perceived closeness with scientists (i.e., self-outgroup overlap). In an online study, participants ($N=486$) played a personality matching game that matched them with a real scientist, then they responded to a survey. We replicated the study at a zoo ($N=63$) to examine implementation as a facilitated game. Self-scientist overlap improved in the online setting; in the in situ setting, trust increased, but not self-scientist overlap. Findings suggest that learning about how one scientist is similar to one's self can increase perceived closeness to scientists overall.
Keywords
public engagement with science and technology; public perception of science and technology; science centres and museums
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PUB36203