N = 300 (Cohorts 1–3 combined). Hornik & Woolf (1999) percentage-to-gain analysis across four intermediate belief outcomes. Predictor dichotomy: top response category if positively correlated with the outcome; bottom if negatively correlated. Outcome dichotomies: subscale means use empirical quartile thresholds (≥ P75 for increase outcomes, ≤ P25 for decrease outcomes); single items use the top response category. Ceiling flag: ≥ 60% of sample already at desired predictor position. Constituent items of each outcome excluded as predictors within that tab. Demographics excluded as non-modifiable.
Outcome: govtfund_5pos_mean — perceived
likelihood that government funding produces positive benefits (items
1–5; e.g., researchers have enough resources, results become publicly
available). Success threshold: ≥ 75th percentile (score ≥ 4.2). Desired
direction: increase.
Outcome: govtfund_5neg_mean — perceived
likelihood that government funding produces negative consequences (items
6–10; e.g., taxpayer money is wasted, political agendas influence
funding). Success threshold: ≤ 25th percentile (score ≤ 2.6). Desired
direction: decrease.
Outcome: highered_2_mean — trust in
private colleges/universities, state public university system, and
community colleges (3-item mean). Success threshold: Top of scale (A
great deal on all items). Desired direction: increase.
Outcome: govtfund_8_7 — belief that tax
investment in research benefits people like you (single item). Success
threshold: Strongly agree (5 of 5). Desired direction: increase.
Included for reference. These items reflect prior behavior rather than modifiable beliefs.