Conclusion

The data in this report demonstrate that there is no single “public” that perceives science through a shared lens of experiences and values. Mindfulness among science communicators, advocates, and researchers of the inherent multiplicity of attitudes toward science is necessary for effective, evidence-based communication and outreach efforts. Expanded research and polling on these topics can provide a detailed roadmap for navigating this complex landscape. Moreover, sustained research in this field is critical given the significant changes in the way people access and engage with scientific information since the start of the twenty-first century.