Extending the Cognitive Mediation Model to Examine Public Support for Funding Science and Technology Development in China: Media Attention, Information Processing, Scientific literacy, and Nationalism

Abstract Despite the rapid development of science and technology (S&T) in China, few studies have examined the factors related to public opinions toward funding S&T development. Using a nationwide sample from an online survey in China (N = 702), this study examined how Chinese attention to S&T information on digital media was associated with public support for funding, based on an extended cognitive mediation model, in which their scientific literacy and nationalism toward scientific and technological development in China were examined as the outcomes of information consumption and as predictors of support for funding S&T development. The results indicated that attention to S&T information on digital media was positively associated with two information processing strategies—elaboration of S&T information and digital media engagement with S&T topics. Moreover, elaboration was positively related to scientific literacy and nationalism, whereas digital media engagement was positively associated with the nationalism but not with the literacy. Next, individuals’ scientific literacy and nationalism were positively associated with their support for funding S&T development. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.