Assessing Trust in Science: Development and Validation of a Short Scale for Adolescents and Adults

Authors

  • Diana Steger Orcid
    Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, Bamberg, Germany
  • Astrid Schütz Orcid
    Chair of Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

Abstract

Trust in science is vital for informed decision-making and societal progress, especially in times of misinformation. Still, trust in science remains underexplored, particularly regarding its development and determinants. To address this gap, we developed a short scale suitable for longitudinal studies. In Study 1, data from 449 adults supported a 4-item unidimensional scale with excellent fit (CFI = .997, RMSEA = .046) and reliability (ω = .835). The scale was negatively correlated with Conspiracy Mentality (r = -.37) as well as Law-and-Order Beliefs (r = -.19). Study 2 (N = 298 parent-adolescent dyads) replicated the model fit and confirmed measurement invariance across age groups. A dyadic model revealed a strong parent-child correlation (r = .66). Men had higher scores than women. This scale provides researchers and policymakers with a robust tool for assessing trust in science across diverse settings and evaluating interventions to foster this resource.