scholarly journals The argument from correlation to cause in science communication

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-332
Author(s):  
Martijn H. Demollin
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Causal Claim ◽  
Critical Questions ◽  
Argumentative Pattern ◽  
Main Activity

The main activity within popularized science communication is the expert‐to‐layman transferral of scientific knowledge. Correlative connections have proven to be a problematic concept to adequately communicate and form a relatively common source for the misrepresentation of scientific knowledge. Depending on the strength of the causal claim, such an inferential step can be considered an “argument from correlation to cause”. This paper reconstructs the argumentative pattern that is typical for these arguments and proposes a number of critical questions for their evaluation. Finally, an analysis is presented of a natural example of reasoning from correlational evidence to cause within the context of popularized science.

scholarly journals Science Slams as Edutainment: A Reception Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Niemann ◽  
Laura Bittner ◽  
Philipp Schrögel ◽  
Christiane Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Content ◽  
Explorative Study ◽  
Reception Study ◽  
Positive Sense ◽  
The Common ◽  
Scientific Value ◽  
Method Analysis

Science slams are a prominent form of science communication especially in Germany that seeks to entertain. While some view science slams as an excellent vehicle for disseminating knowledge, others argue that the imperative to entertain undermines the scientific value of this form of presentation. Drawing on empirical data from three science slam events, this explorative study examines how audiences and presenters perceive the science slam, particularly as it relates to entertainment and the communication of scientific knowledge. Our multi-method analysis includes audience surveys (n = 469), an eye-tracking study, and interviews with science slammers (n = 18). Our results show that the main reason audiences attend a science slam is for entertainment, yet they also have a strong interest in scientific content. Assessing the slammers’ aspirations concerning the audience, we find entertainment to be an important part, but the motivation to impart scientific knowledge is key for most. When asked to evaluate individual presentations (n = 20), spectators tended to rate both the entertainment and scientific value of the presentations as high. However, in terms of visual attention within individual presentations, spectators spent more time considering scientific content than entertainment content. Overall, we do not find evidence for the common claim that the focus on entertainment undermines the scientific value of science slam presentations—rather, entertainment and scientific content are combined to produce “edutainment” in a positive sense.

scholarly journals Dimensions of trust in different forms of science communication: the role of information sources and channels used to acquire science knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (03) ◽  
pp. A08
Author(s):  
Sonia Brondi ◽  
Giuseppe Pellegrini ◽  
Peter Guran ◽  
Martin Fero ◽  
Andrea Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Science Knowledge ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Public Consultations ◽  
Role Of Information ◽  
Cross National

This paper investigates the dimensions of trust and the role of information sources and channels in developing differentiated forms of science communication. The discussions from two public consultations carried out in Italy and Slovakia about controversial science-related topics were quali-quantitatively content analysed. The results show that scientific knowledge pervades diverse communication spheres, producing differentiated paths of trust in science. Each path is determined by topics (environment or health-related), information sources and channels preferred, and specific features of the multifaceted notion of trust. The contribution discusses cross-national commonalities and specificities and proposes implications for science communication.

A Recap

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hilgard ◽  
Nan Li
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
The Public ◽  
Science Of Science ◽  
Cultural Implications ◽  
Science Media

This synthesis chapter recapitulates the major themes of Part I. The chapter proposes that science communication is challenging because science is complex, because humans interpret evidence in biased ways, and because the science–media landscape is shifting. Consequently, the mere supply of scientific information alone is not likely to guide audiences to science-consistent beliefs. Instead, science communicators must learn to navigate both the cultural implications of their work and the heuristics audiences use when deciding whom to trust. Consideration must be given to scientific knowledge and the audience’s values alike. A science of science communication provides an understanding of these multiple considerations and promotes effective dialogue between scientists and the public.

scholarly journals Scientific Knowledge of the Moon, 1609 to 1969

Geosciences ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Charles Wood
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
Critical Questions ◽  
Lunar Evolution ◽  
Lunar Craters ◽  
Over Time

Discoveries stemming from the Apollo 11 mission solved many problems that had vexed scientists for hundreds of years. Research and discoveries over the preceding 360 years identified many critical questions and led to a variety of answers: How did the Moon form, how old is its surface, what is the origin of lunar craters, does the Moon have an atmosphere, how did the Moon change over time, is the Moon geologically active today, and did life play any role in lunar evolution? In general, scientists could not convincingly answer most of these questions because they had too little data and too little understanding of astronomy and geology, and were forced to rely on reasoning and speculation, in some cases wasting hundreds of years of effort. Surprisingly, by 1969, most of the questions had been correctly answered, but a paucity of data made it uncertain which answers were correct.

scholarly journals Is the Brazilian fauna well represented on children's books?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziele Scalfi ◽  
Germana Barata
Keyword(s):  
Search Engine ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Children's Books ◽  
Animal Science ◽  
Google Search ◽  
Language Content

This paper examine children books about Brazilian fauna, especially those whose content reveals a potential for science communication. The research was conducted in Brazilian publishers, bookstores and in the Google search engine for books, using the keywords “animals”, “Brazilian animals” and “national fauna”. The content and descriptive analysis was performed in 24 books that presentedwild animals in their natural habitat and portrayed realistically to verify the strategies used in the dissemination of animal biology, focusing on language, content and images.There is a significant number of books about Brazilian animals for children (199), but few are available for purchase (61). Only seven were considered adequate to disseminate animal science, indicating that few books associate scientific knowledge with quality text, bringing together information and aesthetics of the word, as well as beautiful and attractive illustrations. However, all titles play an important role in the popularization of native species.

scholarly journals Bringing Policymakers to Science Through Communication: A Perspective From Latin America

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Pulido-Salgado ◽  
Fátima Antonethe Castaneda Mena
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Science Museums ◽  
Latin American Region ◽  
Science Stories

Scientific knowledge should be shared beyond academic circles in order to promote science in policymaking. Science communication increases the understanding of how the natural world works and the capacity to make informed decisions. However, not every researcher has the ability to master the art of communicating, and even less in a clear, concise, and easy to understand language that society representatives appreciate. Within the huge and extraordinarily diverse Latin American region, science communication has been going on for at least 200 years, when the first science stories appeared in the newspapers, as well as the first science museums and botanical gardens were founded. Nevertheless, resources are limited, and notably time, which researchers spend mostly in mentoring, ensuring funding, publication of their results and laboratory work, while science journalists are an endangered species. This perspective article aims at providing some recommendations to build bridges between science and decision-making parties through communication, by exploring how Latin American diplomats and policymakers engage with scientific knowledge.

scholarly journals Master in science communication: an overview

2009 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. C01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Ramani
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Master's Degrees ◽  
Complicated Process ◽  
Private Citizens ◽  
Key Aspects

Science, politics, industry, media, state-run and private organisations, private citizens: everyone has their own demands, their own heritage of knowledge, thoughts, opinions, aspirations, needs. Different worlds that interact, question one another, discuss; in one word: they communicate. It is a complicated process that requires professionals «who clearly understand the key aspects of the transmission of scientific knowledge to society through the different essential communication channels for multiple organizations». The purpose of this commentary is to cast some light upon the goals, the philosophy and the organisation behind some European and extra-European Master’s degrees in science communication. We have asked the directors of each of them to describe their founding elements, their origins, their specific features, their structure, their goals, the reasons why they were established and the evolution they have seen over their history.

Authenticity and Credibility in Science Communication Design: A Rhetorical Approach

Design Issues ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 59-71
Author(s):  
Annina Schneller
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Visual Presentation ◽  
Communication Design ◽  
Objective Truth ◽  
Rhetorical Texts ◽  
Successful Science

Abstract The communication of scientific knowledge is traditionally oriented towards objective truth and facts, and builds on the authority of science. This article argues that, besides or even opposite to these aims, creating authenticity has become a major factor of successful science communication. Conveying a “personal touch,” or giving the audience a feeling of “being real,” are crucial promoters of credibility. Significant methods of gaining trust and sympathy on the level of textual as well as visual presentation are disclosed by exploring a bestselling popular scientific book, and with references to ancient rhetorical texts.

The gap in scientific knowledge and role of science communication in South Korea

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 578-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Heon Chang ◽  
Sei-Hill Kim ◽  
Myung-Hyun Kang ◽  
Jae Chul Shim ◽  
Dong Hoon Ma
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Science Learning ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Social Classes ◽  
Learning Effects ◽  
Online Newspapers ◽  
Using Data

Using data from a national survey of South Koreans, this study explores the role of science communication in enhancing three different forms of scientific knowledge ( factual, procedural, and subjective). We first assess learning effects, looking at the extent to which citizens learn science from different channels of communication (interpersonal discussions, traditional newspapers, television, online newspapers, and social media). We then look into the knowledge gap hypothesis, investigating how different communication channels can either widen or narrow the gap in knowledge between social classes. Television was found to function as a “knowledge leveler,” narrowing the gap between highly and less educated South Koreans. The role of online newspapers in science learning is pronounced in our research. Reading newspapers online indicated a positive relationship to all three measures of knowledge. Contrary to the knowledge-leveling effect of television viewing, reading online newspapers was found to increase, rather than decrease, the gap in knowledge. Implications of our findings are discussed in detail.

scholarly journals Feminist standpoint theory and science communication

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (04) ◽  
pp. C02
Author(s):  
Megan Halpern
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Standpoint Theory ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Feminist Standpoint Theory ◽  
Feminist Standpoint ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Marginalized Groups

This commentary introduces feminist standpoint theory and discusses its potential value in science communication. It offers two ways in which feminist standpoints can help in both research and practice. First, science communicators should aim to understand the perspective from which they understand and share scientific knowledge. Second, practitioners and researchers alike should seek insights from marginalized groups to help inform the ways the dominant view of science reflects hegemonic social and cultural norms.

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