The measurement of uncertainty in science communication: A scoping review

This scoping review examines how uncertainty has been measured in science communication research, analyzing 58 studies published between 1976 and 2024. The review identified 68 uncertainty measures, categorized into three main types: (1) trait uncertainty, (2) state uncertainty, and (3) uncertainty discrepancy. While most measures demonstrated good internal reliability, evidence for the validity of scales was limited, particularly for newly developed scales. The analysis reveals significant fragmentation in measurement approaches and a concerning reliance on single-item and unidimensional measures given the complexity of the construct. Science communication research would benefit from more rigorous scale development, standardized measurement approaches, and cross-cultural validation of uncertainty scales.