Development of a Reflexive Modernization Theoretical Perspective to Predict Indiana Residents’ Perceptions of Emergent Science and Technology

Kami J Knies, Purdue University

Abstract

Emergent science and technology elicit widely differing perceptions from consumers. Despite the potential benefits that emergent technologies offer to society, research shows that the public consistently expresses concerns about their adoption and regulation. Understanding consumer response to emergent technologies is particularly important today, when emergent science and innovations are being introduced to the public at an exceedingly fast pace.The current research uses mail survey methodology to measure Indiana residents’ perceived optimism that emergent science and technologies will be beneficial to them and their families. A structured questionnaire was developed specifically for use in this study. After fieldtesting, the questionnaire was mailed to 4,500 Indiana households through a stratified random sampling design. Up to three contacts were made with subjects, resulting in receipt of usable responses from 1,003 households, or a 26% response rate. The dependent variable was a scale measure composed of seven areas of emergent science and technology: nanotechnology, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous cars, artificial intelligence, big data technologies, synthetic biology, and plant genetic research. Subjects were asked to indicate their level of optimism that these technologies would be beneficial to themselves or their families’ way of life. Descriptive results revealed slight to moderate levels of optimism for most of the technologies. Nanotechnology and plant genetics research were rated most favorably among the items assessed, while artificial intelligence and autonomous cars were rated least favorably.A theoretical model developed from reflexive modernity literature was used to identify variables predictive of public perceptions of emergent science and technology. Multiple linear regression was performed using the SPSS Complex Samples module to test the model’s performance. Results showed that the model was somewhat successful, explaining about 33 percent of the variance in the dependent variable. Subjects expressing increased optimism toward emergent science and technology tend to express higher levels of confidence in science (scientism), greater faith in government to regulate emergent science and technology, increased interest in science, and higher levels of media system dependency. These subjects also tend to have higher levels of education compared to those who were less optimistic about emergent science and technology.Findings from this research are discussed in the context of improving public engagement efforts focused on emergent science and technology.

Degree

M.Sc.

Advisors

Tucker, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Adult education|Science education

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