Science Communication

We investigate how livestreaming science events may stimulate audience interest in science. We conducted an online experiment (N = 356) and found that watching video footage from the live broadcast of a spectacular rocket launch was associated with increased science information-seeking intention, indicating initial science interest development. We distinguish parallel mechanisms of interest evocation, that is, meta-emotional media gratification via the emotion of awe and eudaimonic media appreciation sequentially mediated by awe and awareness of knowledge gap. Moreover, perceived science self-efficacy moderated meta-emotional gratification. Findings suggest that awe-inspiring science media events may facilitate interest development by motivating information-seeking about science topics.

Researchers studying the influence of strategic science messages have overlooked the fact that people are selective in the content they consume. In this experiment, participants were “forced” to view one of three climate appeals (threat, humor, informational), reflecting the typical between-subjects experiment, or they were permitted to choose between one of these appeals (or topical alternatives), reflecting real-world media choice. Compared with forced exposure, choice exposure resulted in slightly less reactance and slightly greater enjoyment, appreciation, and persuasion outcomes—even after accounting for self-selection biases. These findings underscore the value of treating research participants as selective consumers of science content.

To understand public perceptions of pandemic messaging, we surveyed U.S. adults for 36 consecutive weeks starting on March 12, 2020. Using a repeated cross-section design, we tracked intentions to engage in protective behaviors, demographics, and four message perceptions: exhaustion, overload, repetition, and exaggeration. Exhaustion increased over time and became negatively related to intentions (rising negativity model). Exaggeration was stable across the 36 weeks, yet had the strongest negative relationship with intentions and that relationship increased over time (fixed model with increasing negative relationship). Overload and repetition were positively related to intentions, but the relationships faded over time (fading positivity model).

We present a new multilingual 14-item scale for measuring science literacy in survey and experimental research. The scale captures three essential dimensions of science literacy in a digital world: civic science literacy, science media literacy, and cognitive science literacy. We developed, tested, and validated the scale through two preregistered national quota surveys in Switzerland and the United States in four languages (English, German, French, Italian). Iterative factor analyses, Bayesian Item Response Theory analyses, and validity tests confirm robustness and reliability of the scale.

Quantum technology is expected to have an impact on society. Earlier literature suggests that certain themes may either create barriers or facilitate effective science communication. We studied 385 Dutch newspaper articles for the use of these themes. Newspapers commonly explained quantum concepts when mentioning quantum technology. They also regularly presented quantum technology as beneficial and enigmatic, often in prominent positions of the articles. The themes on economic development/competitiveness, mystical viewpoint, social progress, and risks were less common. Although these barriers are only potential barriers, we encourage journalists to weigh them when communicating about quantum technology.

Scientific and journalistic investigations are complementary pursuits, involving a search for truth through the collection and analysis of evidence, good-faith endeavors of objectivity, and a commitment to transparency and reproducibility. Yet scientists do not often embrace journalistic methods of storytelling, and journalists rarely engage in scientific research. Described here through three recent experiences, the Research-based Reporting (ReBaR) framework for scientific storytelling is introduced as a model for concurrent journalistic and scientific investigation with publishing outcomes in peer-reviewed and lay press, and in which there are symbiotic benefits to both parts of the process.