In this experiment (N = 650), we integrate ideas from the literatures on metacognition and self-perception to explain why the use of jargon negatively affects engagement with science topics. We offer empirical evidence that the presence of jargon disrupts people’s ability to fluently process scientific information, even when definitions for the jargon terms are provided. We find that jargon use affects individuals’ social identification with the science community and, in turn, affects self-reports of scientific interest and perceived understanding. Taken together, this work advances our knowledge about the broad effects of metacognition and offers implications for how the language of science may influence nonexpert audiences’ engagement with complex topics in ways beyond comprehension.

中文翻译：

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行话对处理流畅性、自我认知和科学参与的影响

在这个实验中（N = 650），我们整合了元认知和自我认知文献中的观点来解释为什么使用行话会对科学话题的参与产生负面影响。我们提供的经验证据表明，行话的存在会破坏人们流畅处理科学信息的能力，即使提供了行话术语的定义。我们发现行话的使用会影响个人对科学界的社会认同，进而影响科学兴趣和感知理解的自我报告。总之，这项工作增进了我们对元认知广泛影响的认识，并为科学语言如何以无法理解的方式影响非专家受众对复杂主题的参与提供了启示。