A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Science capital: Results from a Finnish population survey
Authors: Kaakinen, Johanna K.; Havu-Nuutinen, Sari; Häikiö, Tuomo; Julku, Hanna; Koskela, Teija; Mikkilä-Erdmann, Mirjamaija; Pihlajamäki, Milla; Pritup, Daria; Pulkkinen, Kirsi; Saarikivi, Katri; Simola, Jaana; Wikström, Valtteri
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Public Understanding of Science
Journal name in source: Public Understanding of Science
ISSN: 0963-6625
eISSN: 1361-6609
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09636625241310756
Web address : https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09636625241310756
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/484783433
This study examined science capital among Finnish adults (N = 1572), who responded to 37 survey items assessing science capital. Factor analysis suggested four science capital dimensions: visiting science-related places, science attitudes, science-related self-efficacy, and early support for studying natural sciences. Higher education and higher parental education were linked to higher science capital across all dimensions. Older participants exhibited lower science-related self-efficacy, less early support, and more negative science attitudes than younger respondents. Age and education were stronger predictors of science-related self-efficacy and early encouragement for men than women, and mothers’ education had a weaker effect on science-related self-efficacy for men. The results show that science capital is a multidimensional construct and highlights that younger generations in Finland have had more opportunities to develop their science capital. These findings emphasize the need for early and equitable support to foster positive science attitudes and participation.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |
Funding information in the publication:
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was a collaborative effort of the Fostering Finnish Science Capital (FINSCI) consortium supported by the Strategic Research Council/Academy of Finland (grant numbers 335233, 336697, 336636, 335237, and 335236).