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.

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.

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 COVID-19 MISINFORMATION: HOW DOES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION LITERACY PREVENT IT?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-76
Author(s):  
Muhammad Retsa Rizaldi Mujayapura ◽  
Karim Suryadi ◽  
Sardin Sardin
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
The Public ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
News Literacy

This article aims to examine the importance of information literacy and scientific literacy skills to prevent exposure to misinformation in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Believing in misinformation encourages behaviour that is detrimental to individuals and groups due to anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and a lack of critical thinking skills. This study uses a qualitative approach with a systematic literature review (SLR) method. Through the SLR method, this article uses various sources of empirical research by collecting data and information to analyze elements in information literacy and scientific literacy that can identify misinformation. Information literacy is considered to be more useful in preventing belief in misinformation compared to the concepts of digital literacy, media literacy, and news literacy. Information literacy skills with information verification, and supported by scientific literacy with intellectual virtue, can recognize misinformation about COVID-19 so that it can prevent individuals from believing in misinformation that can result in errors of action. Scientific information literacy needs practical intervention to the public, one of which is through the role of educational institutions.

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.

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.

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 The electronic magazine “A Bioquímica como ela é” as a learning tool in science communication

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
José Cláudio Fonseca Moreira ◽  
Alice Brinckmann Oliveira Netto
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Explanation ◽  
Online Journal ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Public Network ◽  
The Public

The online journal "A Bioquímica como ela é" is a scientific divulgation magazine that is currently being published with texts produced mainly by undergraduate students of Biological Sciences course-UFRGS (disciplines of Biochemistry I-A and Biochemistry Ecology I). The purpose of this project is to use the texts as a scientific literacy tool for students of the public and private elementary school, providing a different way to discover the universe of Science. In addition, motivate undergraduate students in the production of materials for scientific divulgation. In the development of the work, several texts and materials were produced, which after being created, edited, published and divulgated to the general public, were selected and applied in the elementary school classes of the public network of Porto Alegre city. As examples we can name:  "Why do dogs smell?" "(N ° 6 - Ecological Biochemistry) and "Why do we dream "? (No. 6 - Biochemistry I). In schools, students received a text corresponding to their series and a questionnaire with objective questions and a dissertation. Through the answers it was possible to notice difficulties of textual comprehension and development of the writing by the participants, because sometimes the objectives and subjective answers did not coincide. There was a good verbal feedback from the participants, showing interest in texts and subjects, probably due to the awakening of curiosity to understand ordinary facts by a light scientific explanation. In addition, the return of the participants and their difficulties helped us to guide the production of the Biological Sciences Course students aiming at a better adaptation of the texts and audiovisual materials produced. Therefore, this project fulfills its objectives of both stimulating and training undergraduate students to participate in projects of school / university interaction and scientific divulgation, as well as to develop scientific tools for fundamental education.

scholarly journals Science and technology in a mediatized and democratized society

2007 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. A02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter A. Maeseele
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
European Research ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Public ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Western Democracies

We inhabit an age in which economic progress in the European Union is equalized to more European research and better communication of that European research to the public. In highly developed Western democracies this implies an important role for the public as well as the mass media, both actors in a transforming public sphere. Beyond a call for more communication and more scientific literacy, the discourse has shifted to a call for more engagement and more participation on behalf of the citizen. There is a widespread sentiment however that the discipline of science communication is at a crossroads. In this paper it is argued that in a context of life politics and an increasing displacement of politics, one has to account for the trajectories of issue formation and the detours of public-ization to understand the dynamics of techno-scientific issues.

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.

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