Science CommunicationPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-06-17DOI: 10.1177/10755470241253858
Sophia Charlotte Volk
{"title":"Assessing the Outputs, Outcomes, and Impacts of Science Communication: A Quantitative Content Analysis of 128 Science Communication Projects.","authors":"Sophia Charlotte Volk","doi":"10.1177/10755470241253858","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241253858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Few studies have explored how science communication projects are evaluated and what impact they have. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the results of science communication projects carried out by academics. Drawing on the theory of change and evaluation models, possible results of science communication projects are conceptually distinguished at the levels of outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The study draws on a dataset of 128 science communication projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation from 2012 to 2022. Quantitative content analysis reveals few rigorous evaluation designs and a focus on reporting outputs, while outcomes and societal impacts are often neglected.</p>","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11496030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142510449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Science Communication Spaces as “Pockets of Belonging”: Inviting in a Plurality of Science Identities for Scientists-in-Training","authors":"Nic Bennett, Anthony Dudo, John Besley","doi":"10.1177/10755470241268587","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241268587","url":null,"abstract":"Science communication spaces may provide an antidote to the hostility of graduate academic spaces. Using the conceptual lens of science identity, we interviewed North American-based STEM graduate students about their sense of belonging in these spaces. Our results suggest that many science communication spaces welcome a plurality of alternative science identities, while academic spaces require assimilation into a singular research science identity. These results suggest how science communication organizations might more intentionally cultivate spaces of belonging for scientists-in-training.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142213818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily L. Howell, Shannon L. Behrman, Elliot Kirschner, Sarah S. Goodwin
{"title":"Storytelling in Science Film: Narrative Engagement Relates to Greater Knowledge, Interest, and Identification With Science","authors":"Emily L. Howell, Shannon L. Behrman, Elliot Kirschner, Sarah S. Goodwin","doi":"10.1177/10755470241269885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241269885","url":null,"abstract":"To explore narrative engagement’s impacts on science communication, we examine a representative sample of U.S. adults randomly assigned to watch one of the four short documentary science films. Our results indicate that narrative engagement—feeling connected to the story world and identifying with characters—predicts a wide range of outcomes relevant to engagement and learning: greater knowledge gain and perceived knowledge and interest, perceiving science in a new way, perceiving science as valuable, and identifying with science. These outcomes typically appeared regardless of viewer demographics. We describe implications and opportunities for research into the impacts of stories and science films for engaging diverse audiences.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142213819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Arpan, Janet Z. Yang, Prerna Shah, Byeong Hyeon Lee
{"title":"Video-Based Group-Values Affirmation Reduces Defensive Responses to Risk Messages","authors":"Laura Arpan, Janet Z. Yang, Prerna Shah, Byeong Hyeon Lee","doi":"10.1177/10755470241269862","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241269862","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated an innovative, video-based, group-values affirmation against a traditional affirmation and a control group to demonstrate that the video induction increased group identity, which led to higher-level mental construal of the threat highlighted in risk messages about beef consumption. Consistent with self-affirmation theory, this higher-level mental construal resulted in lower message derogation, higher risk perception, and stronger intention to reduce beef consumption. These findings support the video-based approach to affirming group values.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142213820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond Deliberation: Alternative Forms of Public (Dis)engagement With Science","authors":"Lucilla Losi","doi":"10.1177/10755470241269998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241269998","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores alternative forms of public engagement with science through 25 semi-structured interviews with England-based participants from demographic groups traditionally associated with low levels of engagement. When considering established ways to engage with science, informants do not identify themselves as engaged and provide pragmatic reasons for their disengagement. However, as they elaborate on their personal experiences with science, they realize that science is more woven into their lives than initially acknowledged. The results underscore the pivotal role of personal perceptions and experiences in shaping (dis)engagement, emphasizing the interplay between these perceptions and science institutions, and challenging the conventional framework.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141938910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chilly Reception: A Content Analysis of Comments on a Reformed Climate Skeptic’s Confession","authors":"Natasha Strydhorst","doi":"10.1177/10755470241265909","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241265909","url":null,"abstract":"While analyses of climate change news stories have documented how climate science practitioners and communicators convey knowledge, how audiences receive stories documenting an author’s changed perspective on climate change science is virtually unexplored. This preliminary study qualitatively investigates the content of comments on a New York Times column documenting its author’s conversion from climate change agnostic to acknowledger. Findings suggest this conversion’s reception tends cold—commenters express disapproval of the author’s free-market-solution approach and criticize his tardiness in acknowledging climate change science.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141938911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crafting Persuasive Stories: How Uncertainty and Sidedness Influence Narrative Efficacy in Promoting Updated COVID-19 Vaccination","authors":"Yan Huang","doi":"10.1177/10755470241267225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241267225","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the impact of narratives, message sidedness, and psychological uncertainty on promoting updated COVID-19 vaccination. A 2 (narrative vs. non-narrative) × 2 (one-sided vs. two-sided) × 2 (high vs. low uncertainty) between-subjects online experiment ( N = 600) revealed significant three-way interaction effects between narratives, sidedness, and uncertainty on vaccination attitudes and intentions. Specifically, when participants were primed to experience high uncertainty, the one-sided narrative was more persuasive than both the two-sided narrative and the one-sided nonnarrative message. Yet, under conditions of low uncertainty, distinct message types did not show differential persuasive effects. Moreover, the three-way interaction effects were mediated by emotional responses and counterarguing. Theoretical implications for narrative persuasion and practical implications for campaign message design are discussed.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141938912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Creating Successful Science Poems: Craft Elements of Poems With Clear Science Content","authors":"Rebecca A. Durham","doi":"10.1177/10755470241256614","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241256614","url":null,"abstract":"For centuries, poetry was the primary form of science communication. Poets practiced the literary craft of creating impactful and memorable poetry that also communicated scientific knowledge. While contemporary poets incorporate scientific information into their work, there exists scant scholarship on the poetics and craft elements of science poems. The poet must enact a balance between disparate syntax, diction, ideas, and form. Through poetic examples, I demonstrate how a science poem can contain clear scientific information and still function as art.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141865567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shuai Zhang, Jianhua Hou, Yang Zhang, Zhizhen Yao, Zhijian Zhang
{"title":"Detecting Social Media Rumor Debunking Effectiveness During Public Health Emergencies: An Interpretable Machine Learning Approach","authors":"Shuai Zhang, Jianhua Hou, Yang Zhang, Zhizhen Yao, Zhijian Zhang","doi":"10.1177/10755470241261323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241261323","url":null,"abstract":"Debunking offers a promising approach to counteracting social media rumors during public health emergencies. However, the effective mechanisms of rumor debunking on social media remain unverified. This study employs an interpretable machine learning approach, combined with information and communication theories, to investigate social media rumor debunking effectiveness and its influencing factors. A total of 10,150 COVID-19 rumor-debunking posts and other relevant data on Sina Weibo were collected for analysis. The results showed that the beneficial impacts of debunking rumors surpass the adverse consequences and revealed significant differences in debunking effectiveness across diverse rumor types, topics, and involvement levels.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141797630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Indigenous Biologists and Culture Frames: Effects on Stereotype Perceptions and Conservation Policy Support in Environmental News","authors":"Ryan N. Comfort, Mike Gruszczynski","doi":"10.1177/10755470241264755","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470241264755","url":null,"abstract":"Indigenous scientists represent a growing cohort of expert sources for news stories about environmental issues and policies, but the effects of these sources on support for conservation policy and stereotype perceptions of Indigenous peoples remain uncertain. In a 2 ( Source: Tribal, State) × 2 ( Emphasis: Biodiversity, Culture) between-subjects experimental survey ( n = 624), we found that the inclusion of tribal wildlife biologists as sources in environmental news increased overall public perceptions of Indigenous competence. We also found frames emphasizing the cultural values of conservation resulted in greater support for conservation policy than emphasizing the importance of biodiversity regardless of source.","PeriodicalId":47828,"journal":{"name":"Science Communication","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141798979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"文学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}