September 19th, 2017 | RESEARCH
Most scientists say they got into science to make the world a better place and recognize this means sharing what they learn with a range of other people. But deciding to engage also means deciding what to communicate, and it’s at this stage that things get complicated.
Scientists’ most important communication decision may be figuring out their goals. Do they want to help shape local, state or national policy discussions? Do they want to influence individual behavior, such as diet choices, medical decisions or career paths?
Big-picture goal choice is, however, relatively simple, as it likely originates from scientists’ research, resources and personal preferences.
As public engagement researchers, we suggest the quality of science communication actually hinges on a second set of decisions. Scientists need to figure out what specific, immediate objectives they want to achieve through their communication efforts.
Document
(no document provided)
Team Members
John Besley, Author, Michigan State UniversityAnthony Dudo, Author, University of Texas at Austin
Shupei Yuan, Author, Northern Illinois University
Funders
Funding Source: NSF
Funding Program: AISL
Award Number: 1421214
Funding Program: AISL
Award Number: 1421723
Related URLs
Full Text
Collaborative Research: Scientists' Views of the Public, Public Engagement Practice, and Public Engagement Goals
Tags
Audience: General Public | Scientists
Discipline: General STEM
Resource Type: Mass Media Article | Reference Materials
Environment Type: Media and Technology | Professional Development | Conferences | Networks | Public Programs | Websites | Mobile Apps | Online Media