The influence of media use on religious individuals' attitude toward and knowledge of science.

Abstract

Research indicates that mass media depictions of morally controversial scientific applications and new technologies have increased in frequency during the past decades. Therefore, researchers have become increasingly interested in how science is both viewed and understood by the public. One of the publics of primary interest to researchers is the highly religious, who may approach science and its applications via a unique perceptual filter determined by their religious commitment. Additionally, the mass media have been shown to moderate opinions about science. The present study makes use of nationally representative survey data to discuss the relationship that exists among media use, religiosity, and attitudes toward and knowledge of science variables. Data collected from two independent samples will also help pave the way for future trend studies of this phenomenon.