Scientific Dissemination in the Public Universities of Costa Rica: A Structural Model Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour

This article uses a structural equation model to define the attitudes and practices of researchers from Costa Rica’s five public universities (University of Costa Rica, National University, Costa Rican Institute of Technology, National Technical University and Distance State University) regarding science communication in 2021. The guiding theoretical framework is the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This quantitative, cross-sectional, single-measurement study had a descriptive scope and employed a questionnaire as the main data collection technique. The instrument was administered to a sample of 545 researchers, and their responses were used to construct a covariance-based structural equation model (CB-SEM). The main findings indicate a high level of motivation among researchers to engage in science communication activities despite limited perceived institutional support from universities. The factors facilitating the intention to participate in communication activities were associated with attitudes and perceived behavioural control; subjective norms were the least influential element. Together, these three factors explain 52.2 % of the variance in intentions towards science communication, while intentions explain 34.2 % of the variance in communication practices. These results provide an empirical basis for designing institutional strategies to promote scientific dissemination as a regular practice within Costa Rican academia.