Gordon SAMMUT, University of Malta, Malta
Mohammad SARTAWI, Kuwait University, Kuwait
The study of psychology has demonstrated that individual differences are widespread in the species. Variability is not limited to individuals having more or less of a trait relative to others. It also means that what appeals to one person might well dissuade another. Different research programmes in the psychological and cognitive sciences propose that aside from typical personality and environmental differences, human beings also vary in the generalised perspectives they adopt in making sense of their existence. We propose a convergence of findings in terms of five perspectives that emphasise particular action-tendencies relative to innovative developments: Reward, Civic, Parochial, Strategic, and Survivor. We proceed to propose a research framework for the analysis of cultures of science in different locales, which aims at identifying which generalised perspective resonates more strongly with scientific innovation in given publics. We further propose that such an analysis can help overcome hesitation and resistance to scientific innovation by framing science communication in ways that resonate with public tendencies. We conclude by outlining an intensive research programme targeting science communication in the state of Kuwait.