The Evidence Against the Deficit Model May Not Be What You Think It Is

This commentary argues that blanket exhortations against the “deficit model” limit the ability to have nuanced discussions about the potential impact of seeking and sharing different types of information. It specifically seeks to remind the science communication community that the evidence only suggests a weak relationship between a specific type of textbook science knowledge and pro-science attitudes. In contrast, there is substantial evidence that communication—including well-designed “one-way” communication—that includes information about risks and benefits, social norms, self-efficacy, and trustworthiness can affect beliefs and feelings. Furthermore, such outcomes are often associated with behavior.