{"id":104965,"date":"2019-08-02T13:42:19","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T18:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/"},"modified":"2024-07-23T17:22:44","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T21:22:44","slug":"americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/","title":{"rendered":"5. Americans trust dietitians more than nutrition researchers but are skeptical of both groups\u2019 transparency, accountability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to evaluating scientists associated with food and healthy eating, Americans tend to hold more positive views of practitioners (namely, dietitians) than nutrition research scientists. At least half or more of the public trusts dietitians to perform their job well, to provide fair and accurate information and to care about their patients\u2019 interests all or most of the time. Nutrition researchers stand out among the six specialties for low marks among the public when it comes to competence, trustworthiness of information and concern for public interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans tend to be skeptical of both groups when it comes to whether they can be counted on for transparency and taking responsibility for their mistakes. Most people also do not believe these scientists are likely to routinely face serious consequences for misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Familiarity with these groups makes a difference, however. People who are more familiar with the jobs of dietitians or nutrition researchers tend to hold more positive and trusting views of these groups. Those with higher levels of factual science knowledge, too, are more positive and trusting of scientists working in these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-callout has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dietitians-and-nutrition-research-scientists\">Dietitians and nutrition research scientists<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes_nat.htm\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> reports approximately 64,670 dietitians and nutritionists were employed in the U.S. as of May 2018. Dietitians commonly must register with a state regulatory body in order to practice. Several terms may be used for nutrition research scientists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/2017\/may\/oes191012.htm\">food scientists and technologists<\/a>\u201d as those who \u201cuse chemistry, biology, and other sciences to study the basic elements of food. They analyze the nutritional content of food, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safe and healthy&nbsp;\u2026.\u201d In May 2017, approximately 15,020 food scientists and technologists were employed in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Center\u2019s survey asked respondents about <em>either<\/em> dietitians or nutrition research scientists. Respondents were given brief definitions prior to answering questions about each group. These were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDietitians advise people on what to eat using their training in nutrition in order to promote health and manage disease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNutrition research scientists conduct research about the effects of food on health.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-051-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122916\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e0e2e4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"628\" height=\"512\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png\" alt=\"Most Americans have a positive view of dietitians\" class=\"wp-image-122916 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e0e2e4; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png 628w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=300,245 300w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=497,405 497w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=200,163 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=260,212 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=310,253 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=420,342 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=160,130 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-051.png?resize=320,261 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, six-in-ten Americans (60%) say they have a positive view of dietitians. Another 32% say they have a neither positive nor negative view, while just 7% have a negative view of this group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By comparison, Americans are somewhat less positive about nutrition research scientists. Half of the public (51%) holds an overall favorable view of nutrition research scientists, while 38% are neither positive nor negative, and 11% have a negative view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-052-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122919\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e2e4e4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"830\" height=\"778\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png\" alt=\"Majorities of Americans say they learned about nutrition scientists or dietitians from news reports\" class=\"wp-image-122919 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e2e4e4; width:420px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png 830w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=300,281 300w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=768,720 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=432,405 432w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=200,187 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=260,244 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=310,291 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=420,394 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=640,600 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=740,694 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=160,150 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-052.png?resize=320,300 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most Americans say that they know at least a little about the roles of dietitians (89%) or nutrition research scientists (74%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Majorities of Americans say they have been exposed to these jobs through the news media. Roughly six-in-ten say they know about nutrition research scientists or dietitians because they have heard or read about their work in the news (59% and 57%, respectively). About four-in-ten (41%) say they know someone who is a dietitian, while just 16% claim to know a nutrition research scientist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;more-trust-dietitians-than-nutrition-researchers-when-it-comes-to-competence-commitment-to-people-s-interests-trustworthiness-of-information&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"more-trust-dietitians-than-nutrition-researchers-when-it-comes-to-competence-commitment-to-people-s-interests-trustworthiness-of-information\"><a name=\"_Toc15310056\"><\/a>More trust dietitians than nutrition researchers when it comes to competence, commitment to people\u2019s interests, trustworthiness of information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-053-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122922\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d2d9e1\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"976\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png\" alt=\"Six-in-ten Americans say dietitians care about their patients' best interests all or most of the time\" class=\"wp-image-122922 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d2d9e1; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png 634w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=195,300 195w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=263,405 263w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=200,308 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=260,400 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=310,477 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=420,647 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=160,246 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-053.png?resize=320,493 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than half of U.S. adults say dietitians care about the best interests of their patients (60%) or do a good job providing recommendations about healthy eating (54%) all or most of the time. About half (47%) also say dietitians provide fair and accurate information when giving treatment recommendations with the same frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, about three-in-ten Americans say nutrition research scientists care about the best interests of the public (29%) or do a good job conducting research all or most of the time (28%). And about a quarter (24%) believe nutrition research scientists provide fair and accurate information about their research as often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"greater-familiarity-with-work-of-dietitians-and-nutrition-research-scientists-correlates-with-higher-confidence-in-their-competence-accuracy-of-information\">Greater familiarity with work of dietitians and nutrition research scientists correlates with higher confidence in their competence, accuracy of information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who are more familiar with dietitians or nutrition research scientists tend to express more favorable opinions of these groups and their conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-054-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122924\"><img data-dominant-color=\"edeeee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"826\" height=\"836\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png\" alt=\"People more familiar with dietitians are more inclined to say they are competent and caring\" class=\"wp-image-122924 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #edeeee; width:420px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png 826w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=296,300 296w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=768,777 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=400,405 400w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=200,202 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=260,263 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=310,314 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=420,425 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=640,648 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=740,749 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=75,75 75w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=160,162 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-054.png?resize=320,324 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About three-quarters (74%) of Americans who know a lot about dietitians\u2019 jobs report a mostly positive view of this group, compared with 59% of those who know a little and 38% of those who know nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Familiarity with these jobs is also connected with a tendency to judge these researchers and practitioners as competent and accurate nutrition information sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roughly three-quarters (77%) of Americans who know a lot about dietitians say they care about the best interests of their patients all or most of the time, compared with 37% of those who know nothing at all about dietitians \u2212 a difference of 40 percentage points. And 70% of those most familiar with this group say dietitians do a good job providing recommendations about healthy eating all or most of the time, while just 30% of those who are unfamiliar with dietitians say the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People\u2019s level of familiarity with nutrition research scientists also tends to correlate with their views. Roughly two-thirds of those who are most familiar with nutrition research scientists (64%) say they have a mostly positive view of the group, while 36% of those who are unfamiliar hold the same view. In addition, 38% of those who know a lot about nutrition research scientists say they care about the best interests of the public all or most of the time, compared with 20% of those who are unfamiliar with this profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-055-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122927\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeeee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"830\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png\" alt=\"People most familiar with nutrition researchers are more likely to say they are competent\" class=\"wp-image-122927 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeeee; width:420px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png 852w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=300,292 300w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=768,748 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=416,405 416w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=200,195 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=260,253 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=310,302 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=420,409 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=640,623 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=740,721 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=160,156 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-055.png?resize=320,312 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans with high levels of factual science knowledge judge dietitians somewhat more positively than those with low science knowledge when it comes to three key facets of trust. Two-thirds (66%) of those with high science knowledge say dietitians care about the best interests of their patients all or most of the time, while about half of those with low science knowledge (49%) say the same. And 57% of those with high science knowledge think dietitians do a good job all or most of the time, compared with 45% of those with low science knowledge. Similarly, 49% of those with high science knowledge say dietitians regularly provide fair and accurate information when making treatment recommendations, compared with 38% of those with low science knowledge. People\u2019s level of science knowledge, however, is not similarly linked to their views about nutrition research scientists on these matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"americans-ages-50-and-older-tend-to-have-more-positive-views-of-dietitians-than-younger-adults\">Americans ages 50 and older tend to have more positive views of dietitians than younger adults<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-056-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122929\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeeee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"622\" height=\"838\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png\" alt=\"Most Americans ages 50 and older say dietitians care about patients' interests\" class=\"wp-image-122929 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeeee; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png 622w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=223,300 223w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=301,405 301w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=200,269 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=260,350 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=310,418 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=420,566 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=160,216 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-056.png?resize=320,431 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age and gender tend to correlate with views of dietitians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans ages 50 and older are more likely than their younger counterparts to say dietitians are competent, caring or a fair and accurate information source all or most of the time. For example, 67% of adults ages 50 and older say dietitians care about the best interests of their patients all or most of the time, compared with 54% of those under 50 who say the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also modest differences by gender in judgments of dietitians, with women somewhat more likely to express a positive overall view of dietitians (63% compared with 57% of men). Almost two-thirds of women (64%) see dietitians as caring about the best interests of their patients all or most of the time, while 55% of men say the same. And 60% of women, compared with 47% of men, say dietitians do a good job providing healthy eating recommendations with the same frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no differences by gender and modest differences by age (ranging from 3 to 6 percentage points) on these judgments of nutrition research scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-057-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122931\"><img data-dominant-color=\"efefef\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"632\" height=\"876\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png\" alt=\"A majority of Democrats hold a mostly positive view of nutrition researchers\" class=\"wp-image-122931 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #efefef; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png 632w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=216,300 216w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=292,405 292w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=200,277 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=260,360 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=310,430 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=420,582 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=160,222 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-057.png?resize=320,444 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also some differences in views by political party for nutrition researchers, but not dietitians. A majority of Democrats and independents who lean to the Democratic Party (57%) say they have an overall positive view of nutrition research scientists, compared with 43% of Republicans (including leaners).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further, Democrats tend to have more confidence than Republicans when it comes nutrition researchers\u2019 competence, concern for the public interest and accuracy of information. For example, 34% of Democrats say nutrition research scientists care about the best interests of the public all or most of the time, compared with 22% of Republicans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no such partisan differences in views of dietitians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;few-americans-believe-nutrition-professionals-regularly-admit-mistakes-or-are-open-about-potential-conflicts-of-interest-with-industry&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"few-americans-believe-nutrition-professionals-regularly-admit-mistakes-or-are-open-about-potential-conflicts-of-interest-with-industry\"><a name=\"_Toc15310057\"><\/a>Few Americans believe nutrition professionals regularly admit mistakes or are open about potential conflicts of interest with industry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-058-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122933\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d9dee1\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"788\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png\" alt=\"Few Americans say nutrition scientists are transparent about potential conflicts of interest all or most of time\" class=\"wp-image-122933 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d9dee1; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png 630w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=240,300 240w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=324,405 324w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=200,250 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=260,325 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=310,388 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=420,525 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=160,200 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-058.png?resize=320,400 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans are skeptical about whether nutrition research scientists and dietitians are transparent about potential conflicts of interest or take responsibility for their mistakes. At the same time, less than half of the public thinks misconduct is a big problem among each of these groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A minority of 19% say dietitians are transparent about potential conflicts of interest with industry groups all or most of the time; a similar share (18%) say they admit and take responsibility for their mistakes with the same frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just 12% say nutrition research scientists are transparent about potential conflicts of interest with industry groups all or most of the time; 11% say they take responsibility for their mistakes with the same frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the flip side, some 37% say nutrition researchers are transparent about potential conflicts of interest only a little or none of the time. And 41% say the same when it comes to nutrition researchers admitting and taking responsibility for their mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;most-say-misconduct-is-not-a-big-problem-among-dietitians-or-nutrition-researchers-about-half-say-repercussions-are-infrequent&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"most-say-misconduct-is-not-a-big-problem-among-dietitians-or-nutrition-researchers-about-half-say-repercussions-are-infrequent\"><a name=\"_Toc15310058\"><\/a>Most say misconduct is not a big problem among dietitians or nutrition researchers; about half say repercussions are infrequent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-059-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122935\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dbdfdd\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"860\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png\" alt=\"A minority of U.S. adults say misconduct by nutrition researchers is a big problem\" class=\"wp-image-122935 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dbdfdd; width:420px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png 836w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=292,300 292w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=768,790 768w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=394,405 394w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=200,206 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=260,267 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=310,319 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=420,432 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=640,658 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=740,761 740w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=160,165 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-059.png?resize=320,329 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survey asked Americans to consider the magnitude of the problem of research misconduct among nutrition research scientists or professional misconduct among dietitians. On that score, fewer than half consider misconduct to be at least a moderately big problem. About two-in-ten Americans (23%) say misconduct by dietitians is a very or moderately big problem. About twice as many (43%) say misconduct is at least a moderately big problem for nutrition research scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few Americans believe those who work in nutrition science regularly face serious consequences for misdeeds when they occur. Small shares of the public \u2013 13% for dietitians and 8% for nutrition research scientists \u2013 say these groups face serious consequences for misconduct all or most of the time. Roughly half of the public says nutrition research scientists (53%) and dietitians (47%) face consequences only a little or none of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-0510-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122937\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dcdfdf\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"712\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png\" alt=\"The public tends to believe most nutrition researchers are well-intentioned\" class=\"wp-image-122937 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dcdfdf; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png 630w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=265,300 265w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=358,405 358w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=200,226 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=260,294 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=310,350 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=420,475 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=160,181 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0510.png?resize=320,362 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, Americans are inclined to give nutrition scientists the benefit of the doubt. A 55% majority say they consider misconduct cases to be isolated incidents, while 43% view such cases as signs of a broader problem. About two-thirds of the public (67%) say they generally believe that in cases of misconduct \u201cmost nutrition research scientists have good intentions; it\u2019s the research system that\u2019s broken.\u201d A smaller share (29%) says, \u201cThe research system can work fine; it\u2019s the nutrition research scientists that are the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the most part, Americans tend to see dietitians\u2019 role in professional misconduct similarly. Three-quarters of the public (75%) considers these misconduct cases as isolated incidents, while 22% view them as signs of a broader problem. And when it comes to identifying the source of the misconduct, 72% fall on the side of the dietitians, saying most have good intentions and it\u2019s the system that is broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/ps_08-02-19_trust-in_-scientists-0511-png\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-122939\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dbdfdc\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"654\" height=\"930\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" src=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png\" alt=\"Hispanic, black Americans more likely to say misconduct by nutrition researchers is a big problem\" class=\"wp-image-122939 not-transparent\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dbdfdc; width:310px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png 654w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=211,300 211w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=285,405 285w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=200,284 200w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=260,370 260w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=310,441 310w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=420,597 420w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=640,910 640w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=160,228 160w, https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/07\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists-0511.png?resize=320,455 320w\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Concerns about the prevalence of misconduct are stronger among blacks and Hispanics than among whites. Slightly less than half of Hispanics (46%) say professional misconduct among dietitians is at least a moderately big problem; three-in-ten blacks (30%) say the same. In contrast, 16% of whites say misconduct is a big problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a similar pattern in beliefs about the prevalence of misconduct by nutrition research scientists. About half of Hispanics (54%) and blacks (50%) view misconduct by these scientists as at least a moderately big problem, compared with 40% of whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to evaluating scientists associated with food and healthy eating, Americans tend to hold more positive views of practitioners (namely, dietitians) than nutrition research scientists. At least half or more of the public trusts dietitians to perform their job well, to provide fair and accurate information and to care about their patients\u2019 interests [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":367,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sub_headline":"","sub_title":"","_crdt_document":"","_prc_public_revisions":[],"bylines":[],"acknowledgements":[],"displayBylines":true,"relatedPosts":[],"reportMaterials":[],"multiSectionReport":[],"package_parts__enabled":false,"package_parts":[],"_prc_fork_parent":0,"_prc_fork_status":"","_prc_active_fork":0,"datacite_doi":"","datacite_doi_citation":"","_prc_seo_qr_attachment_id":0,"spoken_article_player_enabled":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[77,256],"tags":[],"bylines":[],"collection":[],"datasets":[2027],"level_of_effort":[],"primary_audience":[],"information_type":[],"_post_visibility":[],"formats":[458],"_fund_pool":[],"languages":[],"regions-countries":[],"research-teams":[518],"class_list":["post-104965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trust-in-government","category-trust-in-science","datasets-american-trends-panel-wave-42","formats-report","research-teams-science"],"label":false,"post_parent":104954,"word_count":1869,"canonical_url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/","art_direction":{"A1":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=564&h=317&crop=1","width":564,"height":317,"chartArt":false},"A2":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"chartArt":false},"A3":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=194&h=110&crop=1","width":194,"height":110,"chartArt":false},"A4":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=268&h=151&crop=1","width":268,"height":151,"chartArt":false},"XL":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=720&h=405&crop=1","width":720,"height":405,"chartArt":false},"social":{"id":122921,"rawUrl":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/08\/PS_19.08.02_TrustinScience_featuredimage_mainreport-2.png?w=1200&h=628&crop=1","width":1200,"height":628,"chartArt":false}},"_embeds":[],"table_of_contents":[{"id":104954,"title":"Trust and Mistrust in Americans\u2019 Views of Scientific Experts","slug":"trust-and-mistrust-in-americans-views-of-scientific-experts","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/trust-and-mistrust-in-americans-views-of-scientific-experts\/","is_active":false},{"id":104962,"title":"1. Partisanship influences views on the role and value of scientific experts in policy debates","slug":"partisanship-influences-views-on-the-role-and-value-of-scientific-experts-in-policy-debates","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/partisanship-influences-views-on-the-role-and-value-of-scientific-experts-in-policy-debates\/","is_active":false},{"id":104984,"title":"2. Americans often trust practitioners more than researchers but are skeptical about scientific integrity","slug":"americans-often-trust-practitioners-more-than-researchers-but-are-skeptical-about-scientific-integrity","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-often-trust-practitioners-more-than-researchers-but-are-skeptical-about-scientific-integrity\/","is_active":false},{"id":105005,"title":"3. Americans say open access to data and independent review inspire more trust in research findings","slug":"americans-say-open-access-to-data-and-independent-review-inspire-more-trust-in-research-findings","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-say-open-access-to-data-and-independent-review-inspire-more-trust-in-research-findings\/","is_active":false},{"id":105021,"title":"4. Americans generally view medical professionals favorably, but about half consider misconduct a big problem","slug":"americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem\/","is_active":false},{"id":104965,"title":"5. Americans trust dietitians more than nutrition researchers but are skeptical of both groups\u2019 transparency, accountability","slug":"americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/","is_active":true},{"id":104844,"title":"6. A majority of Americans have positive views of environmental scientists, but trust in them varies by politics","slug":"a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics\/","is_active":false},{"id":105044,"title":"Acknowledgments","slug":"acknowledgments-71","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/acknowledgments-71\/","is_active":false},{"id":105035,"title":"Methodology","slug":"trust-in-scientists-methodology","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/trust-in-scientists-methodology\/","is_active":false}],"report_materials":[{"key":"8bb151ec-635b-4b44-94f6-8fb967306670","type":"report","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists_FULLREPORT_8.5.19.pdf","label":"","icon":"","attachmentId":""},{"key":"8a5cea97-a1f7-41cb-b5a0-6845db8811da","type":"topline","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/08\/PS_08.02.19_trust.in_.scientists_Topline.pdf","label":"","icon":"","attachmentId":""},{"key":"0895cf0a-5dee-4405-a1e1-19fdef41e2d2","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-medical-doctors","label":"Findings at a glance: Medical doctors","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"key":"f0c59f06-7681-479e-a6fa-6c383c99a952","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-medical-research-scientists","label":"Findings at a glance: Medical research scientists","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"key":"3b4f5260-957e-469c-89db-dd746d91bce6","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-dietitians","label":"Findings at a glance: Dietitians","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"key":"e76f3ef3-ccbd-49af-874e-77d7f6e86575","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-nutrition-research-scientists","label":"Findings at a glance: Nutrition research scientists","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"key":"353dd633-efb7-4002-b3e0-9cff359149fc","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-environmental-health-specialists","label":"Findings at a glance: Environmental health specialists","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"key":"aafededf-60ca-4b64-a6bb-5c8a414e85b5","type":"link","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/findings-at-a-glance-environmental-research-scientists","label":"Findings at a glance: Environmental research scientists","icon":"report","attachmentId":""},{"type":"dataset","id":2027,"label":"American Trends Panel Wave 42","url":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/dataset\/american-trends-panel-wave-42\/"}],"report_pagination":{"current_post":{"id":104965,"title":"5. Americans trust dietitians more than nutrition researchers but are skeptical of both groups\u2019 transparency, accountability","slug":"americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/","is_active":true,"page_num":6},"next_post":{"id":104844,"title":"6. A majority of Americans have positive views of environmental scientists, but trust in them varies by politics","slug":"a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":7},"previous_post":{"id":105021,"title":"4. Americans generally view medical professionals favorably, but about half consider misconduct a big problem","slug":"americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem\/","is_active":false,"page_num":5},"pagination_items":[{"id":104954,"title":"Trust and Mistrust in Americans\u2019 Views of Scientific Experts","slug":"trust-and-mistrust-in-americans-views-of-scientific-experts","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/trust-and-mistrust-in-americans-views-of-scientific-experts\/","is_active":false,"page_num":1},{"id":104962,"title":"1. Partisanship influences views on the role and value of scientific experts in policy debates","slug":"partisanship-influences-views-on-the-role-and-value-of-scientific-experts-in-policy-debates","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/partisanship-influences-views-on-the-role-and-value-of-scientific-experts-in-policy-debates\/","is_active":false,"page_num":2},{"id":104984,"title":"2. Americans often trust practitioners more than researchers but are skeptical about scientific integrity","slug":"americans-often-trust-practitioners-more-than-researchers-but-are-skeptical-about-scientific-integrity","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-often-trust-practitioners-more-than-researchers-but-are-skeptical-about-scientific-integrity\/","is_active":false,"page_num":3},{"id":105005,"title":"3. Americans say open access to data and independent review inspire more trust in research findings","slug":"americans-say-open-access-to-data-and-independent-review-inspire-more-trust-in-research-findings","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-say-open-access-to-data-and-independent-review-inspire-more-trust-in-research-findings\/","is_active":false,"page_num":4},{"id":105021,"title":"4. Americans generally view medical professionals favorably, but about half consider misconduct a big problem","slug":"americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-generally-view-medical-professionals-favorably-but-about-half-consider-misconduct-a-big-problem\/","is_active":false,"page_num":5},{"id":104965,"title":"5. Americans trust dietitians more than nutrition researchers but are skeptical of both groups\u2019 transparency, accountability","slug":"americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/americans-trust-dietitians-more-than-nutrition-researchers-but-are-skeptical-of-both-groups-transparency-accountability\/","is_active":true,"page_num":6},{"id":104844,"title":"6. A majority of Americans have positive views of environmental scientists, but trust in them varies by politics","slug":"a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/a-majority-of-americans-have-positive-views-of-environmental-scientists-but-trust-in-them-varies-by-politics\/","is_active":false,"page_num":7},{"id":105044,"title":"Acknowledgments","slug":"acknowledgments-71","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/acknowledgments-71\/","is_active":false,"page_num":8},{"id":105035,"title":"Methodology","slug":"trust-in-scientists-methodology","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2019\/08\/02\/trust-in-scientists-methodology\/","is_active":false,"page_num":9}]},"parent_info":{"parent_title":"Trust and Mistrust in Americans\u2019 Views of Scientific Experts","parent_id":104954},"materialsOrdered":[],"chaptersOrdered":[],"partsOrdered":[],"partsEnabled":false,"datacite_doi":"","prc_seo_data":{"title":"Americans trust dietitians more than nutrition researchers","description":"When it comes to evaluating scientists associated with food and healthy eating, Americans tend to hold more positive views of practitioners (namely, dietitians) than nutrition research scientists. 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