Species identification skills predict in-depth knowledge about species

PLoS ONE, vol. 17, pp. e0266972

Abstract

To raise biodiversity awareness effectively, communicators should be aware of knowledge levels in their audiences. Species identification skills have been used in the past as a measure of what people know about species, yet it is not known whether they serve as good indicators. To study the link between species identification and in-depth species knowledge, we presented an animal knowledge test to an online audience of over 7,000 Dutch adults, and used correlation and regression analyses to determine the extent to which species identification predicts in-depth knowledge about species' origin, habitat, diet, and behavior. We found that in-depth knowledge was higher in those who correctly identified species as compared with those who did not correctly identify species, for all four types of in-depth knowledge. Moreover, as compared to alternative variables (work, age, gender, and educational level), species identification was by far the best predictor for in-depth knowledge about species. However, species identification levels were generally higher than levels of in-depth knowledge, and knowledge gaps and misconceptions were uncovered. The results confirm the value of species identification tests, but also highlight limitations and challenges that should be taken into account when establishing knowledge levels and communicating biodiversity.

Authors 4

1. Michiel Jan Dirk Hooykaas corresponding Aachen Science Communication and Society

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Science Communication and Society, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Menno Schilthuizen Aachen Naturalis Biodiversity Center Science Communication and Society

   Leiden University · Naturalis Biodiversity Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Science Communication and Society, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Casper Johannes Albers

   University of Groningen

   Affiliation as printed

   Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

4. Ionica Smeets Aachen Science Communication and Society

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Science Communication and Society, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands