Why Science Should Have a Female Face: Female Experts Increase Liking, Competence, and Trust in Science

Abstract

Historically, female experts have been perceived as less competent but more likable than their male counterparts. This experimental study ( n = 958) examines the intricate relationship between likability, competence, scientist gender, participant gender, and trust scientific expertise. Our results illuminated the mediating role of likability in shaping perceptions of competence, where heightened likability positively influenced perceived competence. Moreover, exposure to science messages from female scientists significantly increased trust in science through a serial mediation model. Notably, participants liked the scientist of the opposite gender; thus we did not observe a gender affinity effect.