Chapter 2: Understanding Science and Decision-Making: What Does Science Literacy Have to Do With It?

Societies have historically struggled to understand how to use science to guide decision-making (Nisbet, 2009). Since individuals are often persuaded by written texts and verbal communication, the development of science literacy has the potential to have an enormous impact on real world outcomes. Specifically, developing science literacy may persuade individuals to act. Because of the enormous responsibilities associated with persuading individuals to act, we hope that the audiences for this chapter will include scientists, sociologists, anthropologists, communication specialists, political leaders, media outlets, educational institutions, and individual science content consumers. This chapter attempts to both emphasize the influence that science literacy has on decision-making and provide recommendations that will shape the development of science literacy.