scholarly journals Attitudes towards science during the COVID-19 pandemic: A psychological network approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Wingen ◽  
Oscar Lecuona ◽  
Simone Dohle
Keyword(s):  
Common Sense ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Public Attitude ◽  
Scientific Controversy ◽  
Network Approach ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
Attitudes Towards Science

A better understanding of the public attitude towards science could be crucial to tackle the spread of mis- and disinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We here contribute to this understanding by conceptualizing and analyzing the attitude toward science as a psychological network. For this analysis, we utilized data from a German probability sample (N = 1,009), the “Science Barometer”, collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, our network analysis revealed that especially the perceived value of science for curbing the pandemic is central to the attitude towards science. Beliefs about this value are related to trust in science and trust in scientific information and to positive and negative evaluations of scientific controversy and complexity. Further, valuing common sense over science was related to seeking less scientific information on official websites, suggesting that this belief, in particular, may drive mis- and disinformation and could be a promising target for interventions. Finally, we found no evidence that seeking scientific information on social media had detrimental consequences for the attitude towards science. Implications for health communication and science communication, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

When Scientists Tweet for Social Changes: Dialogic Communication and Collective Mobilization Strategies by Flint Water Study Scientists on Twitter

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Rosie Jahng ◽  
Namyeon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Virginia Tech ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Collective Actions ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Dialogic Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Team

Guided by the literature in social media and science activism, this exploratory study examined how scientists from Virginia Tech, known as the Flint Water Study team, utilized Twitter to communicate and mobilize the public in response to the contamination of water with lead in Flint, Michigan. Results from the content analysis indicated that the scientists utilized Twitter mainly to provide scientific information to the public and that public education was their main advocacy tactic. This study offers insights into how this particular group of science activists utilized social media for collective actions and suggests future directions for science communication on social media.

scholarly journals Why Should Scientists be on YouTube? It’s all About Bamboo, Oil and Ice Cream

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric B. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Ice Cream ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
The Public ◽  
Communications Skills ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Diverse Groups

Scientific information is a key ingredient needed to tackle global challenges like climate change, but to do this it must be communicated in ways that are accessible to diverse groups, and that go beyond traditional methods (peer-reviewed publications). For decades there have been calls for scientists to improve their communication skills—with each other and the public—but, this problem persists. During this time there have been astonishing changes in the visual communication tools available to scientists. I see video as the next step in this evolution. In this paper I highlight three major changes in the visual communication tools over the past 100 years, and use three memorable items—bamboo, oil and ice cream—and analogies and metaphors to explain why and how Do-it-Yourself (DIY) videos made by scientists, and shared on YouTube, can radically improve science communication and engagement. I also address practical questions for scientists to consider as they learn to make videos, and organize and manage them on YouTube. DIY videos are not a silver bullet that will automatically improve science communication, but they can help scientists to 1) reflect on and improve their communications skills, 2) tell stories about their research with interesting visuals that augment their peer-reviewed papers, 3) efficiently connect with and inspire broad audiences including future scientists, 4) increase scientific literacy, and 5) reduce misinformation. Becoming a scientist videographer or scientist DIY YouTuber can be an enjoyable, creative, worthwhile and fulfilling activity that can enhance many aspects of a scientist’s career.

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.

Jargon as a barrier to effective science communication: Evidence from metacognition

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 845-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia M. Bullock ◽  
Daniel Colón Amill ◽  
Hillary C. Shulman ◽  
Graham N. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Public ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Resistance To Persuasion ◽  
Effective Science ◽  
Scientific Technology

In this experiment ( N = 650), we examine the negative consequences of jargon on individuals’ perceptions of emerging scientific technology and aim to explain these effects. We find that the presence of jargon impairs people’s ability to process scientific information, and that this impairment leads to greater motivated resistance to persuasion, increased risk perceptions, and lower support for technology adoption. These findings suggest that the use of jargon undermines efforts to inform and persuade the public through the cognitive mechanism of metacognition.

scholarly journals Science, poetry, and music for landscapes of the Marche region, Italy: communicating the conservation of natural heritage

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-406
Author(s):  
Olivia Nesci ◽  
Laura Valentini
Keyword(s):  
Cultural History ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Natural Heritage ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
The Public ◽  
Marche Region ◽  
Ancient Music

Abstract. We present a method to educate the public about landscapes that uses artistic works to broaden the audience, entice people to learn about landscapes in a personal and human context, and thus encourage them to preserve the natural heritage. To this end, we use narratives about a place, in plain language, accompanied by visual presentations, original poetry, and ancient music. Several studies encourage the use of art since it can help to synthesize and convey complex scientific information and create a celebratory and positive atmosphere. Evidence suggests that the arts can deeply engage people by focusing on emotions rather than relying only on comprehension, which is often emphasized in science communication. The multidisciplinary approach arouses an emotional and intellectual experience that enables a personal connection to the place. The work is part of a larger multidisciplinary project covering 20 sites in the Marche region (central Italy), which includes scientific information on geological–geomorphological genesis, trekking itineraries, poetry, ancient music, video, and cultural offerings. The project resulted in live multidisciplinary performances, a book, a DVD, and a website. To give a taste of how we work among the many amazing landscapes of the Marche region, we focus here on three sites from the north, the centre, and the south of the region, namely the sea cliff of San Bartolo, the flatiron of Mount Petrano, and the fault of Mount Vettore, chosen as examples for their different processes of genesis and evolution. In the long run, our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of landscapes by integrating their origin and physical aesthetic with their cultural and artistic heritage. In doing so, we intend to inspire people to have a new perception of geosites, starting from their physical beauty, building on scientific study and cultural history, and arriving at the knowledge of their social importance. So far, our direct experience with the public has been highly encouraging. The participation at our live shows demonstrated a great interest in geological history, a result that is relevant for the development of geotourism. The method demonstrates the potential to develop a strong personal involvement of visitors with the places, stimulating their curiosity to know how and why that place was formed, and, finally, the desire to visit and protect it.

Mutable Matter: Using Sensory Methods in Public Engagement with Nanotechnology

Leonardo ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Last
Keyword(s):  
Public Engagement ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Public Realm ◽  
Pilot Program ◽  
Art Practice ◽  
The Public ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Future

Mutable Matter is an experimental public engagement pilot program that seeks to enable non-scientists to explore and co-imagine the future of nanotechnology. Located at the intersection of geography, science communication and art practice, Mutable Matter is intended as a starting point for examining playful sensory engagement methods bridging tangible public and intangible scientific spaces. The project both challenges the role of non-scientists as mere commentators on pre-decided innovation trajectories and draws attention to the way scientific information is creatively encountered in the public realm.

scholarly journals Research institutions: neither doing science communication nor promoting ‘public’ relations

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. C03 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Claessens
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
High Quality ◽  
The Public ◽  
Proper Sense ◽  
Scientific Staff ◽  
Genuine Communication

In this commentary I explain why research institutions are neither doing science communication nor developing ‘public’ relations in the proper sense. Their activities are rather a mix of different things, serving various purposes and targets. However, dealing with PCST, their main responsibilities [should] include: promoting genuine communication and dialogue, being open and accessible to the public, providing high quality scientific information, ensuring good internal communication and educating their scientific staff.

scholarly journals Citizen consultations on science communication: A citizen science approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Delicado ◽  
Jussara Rowland ◽  
Empar Vengut Climent ◽  
Isabel Mendoza-Poudereux ◽  
Edurne Gaston
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Core ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Public Consultations ◽  
International Research Project

Citizen science is part of a wider trend in science and society of promoting two-way dialogue and engagement between scientists and the public, by involving citizens in the research process. This paper examines how CONCISE, an international research project involving Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Slovakia, seeks to understand how citizens acquire and use scientific information, by engaging citizens through public consultations. The consultations gathered close to 500 citizens in 2019. Asking them for suggestions on how to improve science communication and involving them in the dissemination efforts, CONCISE aims to put citizens at the core of the research process.

Perceptions of science in Catalan society

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Ribas ◽  
Johanna Cáceres
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Information ◽  
Effective Diffusion ◽  
University Education ◽  
Scientific Culture ◽  
Sociological Study ◽  
The Public ◽  
Interest In Science ◽  
Attitudes Towards Science ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Catalan Population

The project `Perception of Science by Catalan Society: Sociological study 1995' used a questionnaire to determine: the level of interest in science among Catalans; which channels the public uses to find out about scientific matters; attitudes towards science as an element of culture; the level of scientific knowledge of the Catalan population; and the sociological profile of the population according to its level of scientific culture. Compared with the results of a similar study carried out in 1989, knowledge and interest in science in the Catalan population has increased, and may be connected to the increase of the portion of the population with secondary or university education. Although interest has increased among women, those with highest levels of `scientific culture' are well educated, socially active young men. Other socio-demographic features and patterns of media use suggest that more effective diffusion of scientific information might be achieved if particular types of information were aimed at specific groups through particular media.

scholarly journals How knowledge contributors are legitimizing their posts on controversial scientific topics: A case of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

First Monday ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriko Hara ◽  
Emma Frieh
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Decision Making ◽  
Health Decision ◽  
The Public Sphere ◽  
Knowledge Claims ◽  
Ordinary Citizens

Traditionally, journalists, government agencies, and medical professionals have acted as mediators, facilitating the transfer of scientific knowledge from scientists to the general public. More recently, however, ordinary citizens are circumventing top-down mediation and contributing directly to discussions about scientific topics online. For the present study, we examined how these emerging mediators of online scientific information are shaping the discussion of hotly debated (at least within the public sphere) scientific topics, specifically, the alleged link between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Using content analysis, we have identified the resources that lay pro- and anti-vaccination knowledge contributors most often cite when making knowledge claims. Additionally, we examined how these contributors 1) use citations to legitimize their arguments; and, 2) take on particular roles in such arguments. Our results shed light on an emerging form of online science communication and the process by which knowledge contributed by ordinary citizens is shaping these online discussions. These findings have implications for online health information and health decision-making.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document