Filter by author: April A. Eichmeier PhD

All author's publications are listed below.

2 publications found

Feb 09, 2026 Article

A feeling for the facts: intuitive epistemic identity predicts a non-consensus interpretation of a misleading clean energy meme

The purpose of this study is to show how intuitive epistemic beliefs and intuitive epistemic social identity contribute to misperceptions about science. Using a misleading clean energy meme for context, online survey results (U.S. only, N = 192) show that intuitive epistemic beliefs are negatively associated with interpreting the meme in a way that aligns with scientific consensus. This study also shows that social identity contributes to the misinterpretation. Results affirm the importance of science communication that resonates with people who trust their intuition.

Mar 13, 2023 Article

Fictional scenarios, real concerns: science fiction and perceptions of human genome editing

by April A. Eichmeier, Luye Bao, Michael A. Xenos, Dominique Brossard and Dietram A. Scheufele

This research addresses the association between attention to science fiction and public opinion of human genome editing (HGE). Using a nationally representative survey, our results show that attention to science fiction is associated with both risk and benefit perception of the technology. In addition, results show that, at higher levels of attention to science fiction, the levels of concern from conservatives (ordinarily predisposed to negative views toward science) and from liberals (ordinarily predisposed to positive views toward science) come closer to being the same. This research contributes to our understanding of debates about controversial science.

Volume 22 • Issue 01 • 2023