We review past studies on how scientists view the public, the goals of communication, the perform... more We review past studies on how scientists view the public, the goals of communication, the performance and impacts of the media, and the role of the public in policy decision-making. We add to these past findings by analyzing two recent large-scale surveys of scientists in the UK and US. These analyses show that scientists believe the public is uninformed about science and therefore prone to errors in judgment and policy preferences. Scientists are critical of media coverage generally, yet they also tend to rate favorably their own experience dealing with journalists, believing that such interactions are important both for promoting science literacy and for career advancement. Scientists believe strongly that they should have a role in public debates and view policy-makers as the most important group with which to engage. Few scientists view their role as an enabler of direct public participation in decision-making through formats such as deliberative meetings, and do not believe there are personal benefits for investing in these activities. Implications for future research are discussed, in particular the need to examine how ideology and selective information sources shape scientists' views.
Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as ... more Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as a test case, we outline a theoretical framework that points to the central impact of value predispositions, schema, political knowledge, and forms of mass media use in shaping public perceptions of science. In the process, by proposing an alternative approach to the dominant science literacy model, we address the existing divide between survey-based and ethnographic studies. Analyzing nationally representative survey data ...
In this essay, we review research from the social sciences on how the public makes sense of and p... more In this essay, we review research from the social sciences on how the public makes sense of and participates in societal decisions about science and technology. We specifi cally highlight the role of the media and public communication in this process, challenging the still dominant assumption that science literacy is both the problem and the solution to societal confl icts. After reviewing the cases of evolution, climate change, food biotechnology, and nanotechnology, we offer a set of detailed recommendations for improved public engagement efforts on the part of scientists and their organizations. We emphasize the need for science communication initiatives that are guided by careful formative research; that span a diversity of media platforms and audiences; and that facilitate conversations with the public that recognize, respect, and incorporate differences in knowledge, values, perspectives, and goals.
ABSTRACT To engage diverse publics, scientists must focus on ways to make complex topics personal... more ABSTRACT To engage diverse publics, scientists must focus on ways to make complex topics personally relevant.
International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 2005
When it comes to public opinion about controversial issues related to science and technology, man... more When it comes to public opinion about controversial issues related to science and technology, many policy makers and scientists assume that increased public understanding of science will lead to increased public support. Yet, instead of a fully informed and deliberative public, past research indicates that it is more likely that the public by nature is 'miserly', with individuals relying on their value predispositions and only the information most readily available to them from the mass media and other sources in order to formulate an opinion about science controversy. Building on this latter 'accessibility' or 'memorybased' model of opinion formation, this study tests the relationship between an increase in available information-or increasing 'awareness'-and public support for embryonic stem cell research. An analysis of national survey data collected in the USA during the fall of and the fall of indicates that although an increase in awareness leads to an increase in support for research, both religious and ideological value predispositions strongly moderate the impact of awareness.
Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as ... more Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as a test case, we outline a theoretical framework that points to the central impact of value predispositions, schema, political knowledge, and forms of mass media use in shaping public perceptions of science. In the process, by proposing an alternative approach to the dominant science literacy model, we address the existing divide between survey-based and ethnographic studies. Analyzing nationally representative survey data ...
Abstract The leadership of volunteers offers a unique relationship in contrast to the leadership ... more Abstract The leadership of volunteers offers a unique relationship in contrast to the leadership of waged workers, therefore, effective and appropriate leadership of volunteers is critical. While the literature offers a clear picture of the elements, including leadership ...
We review past studies on how scientists view the public, the goals of communication, the perform... more We review past studies on how scientists view the public, the goals of communication, the performance and impacts of the media, and the role of the public in policy decision-making. We add to these past findings by analyzing two recent large-scale surveys of scientists in the UK and US. These analyses show that scientists believe the public is uninformed about science and therefore prone to errors in judgment and policy preferences. Scientists are critical of media coverage generally, yet they also tend to rate favorably their own experience dealing with journalists, believing that such interactions are important both for promoting science literacy and for career advancement. Scientists believe strongly that they should have a role in public debates and view policy-makers as the most important group with which to engage. Few scientists view their role as an enabler of direct public participation in decision-making through formats such as deliberative meetings, and do not believe there are personal benefits for investing in these activities. Implications for future research are discussed, in particular the need to examine how ideology and selective information sources shape scientists' views.
Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as ... more Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as a test case, we outline a theoretical framework that points to the central impact of value predispositions, schema, political knowledge, and forms of mass media use in shaping public perceptions of science. In the process, by proposing an alternative approach to the dominant science literacy model, we address the existing divide between survey-based and ethnographic studies. Analyzing nationally representative survey data ...
In this essay, we review research from the social sciences on how the public makes sense of and p... more In this essay, we review research from the social sciences on how the public makes sense of and participates in societal decisions about science and technology. We specifi cally highlight the role of the media and public communication in this process, challenging the still dominant assumption that science literacy is both the problem and the solution to societal confl icts. After reviewing the cases of evolution, climate change, food biotechnology, and nanotechnology, we offer a set of detailed recommendations for improved public engagement efforts on the part of scientists and their organizations. We emphasize the need for science communication initiatives that are guided by careful formative research; that span a diversity of media platforms and audiences; and that facilitate conversations with the public that recognize, respect, and incorporate differences in knowledge, values, perspectives, and goals.
ABSTRACT To engage diverse publics, scientists must focus on ways to make complex topics personal... more ABSTRACT To engage diverse publics, scientists must focus on ways to make complex topics personally relevant.
International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 2005
When it comes to public opinion about controversial issues related to science and technology, man... more When it comes to public opinion about controversial issues related to science and technology, many policy makers and scientists assume that increased public understanding of science will lead to increased public support. Yet, instead of a fully informed and deliberative public, past research indicates that it is more likely that the public by nature is 'miserly', with individuals relying on their value predispositions and only the information most readily available to them from the mass media and other sources in order to formulate an opinion about science controversy. Building on this latter 'accessibility' or 'memorybased' model of opinion formation, this study tests the relationship between an increase in available information-or increasing 'awareness'-and public support for embryonic stem cell research. An analysis of national survey data collected in the USA during the fall of and the fall of indicates that although an increase in awareness leads to an increase in support for research, both religious and ideological value predispositions strongly moderate the impact of awareness.
Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as ... more Abstract Using the contemporary debate in the United States over embryonic stem cell research as a test case, we outline a theoretical framework that points to the central impact of value predispositions, schema, political knowledge, and forms of mass media use in shaping public perceptions of science. In the process, by proposing an alternative approach to the dominant science literacy model, we address the existing divide between survey-based and ethnographic studies. Analyzing nationally representative survey data ...
Abstract The leadership of volunteers offers a unique relationship in contrast to the leadership ... more Abstract The leadership of volunteers offers a unique relationship in contrast to the leadership of waged workers, therefore, effective and appropriate leadership of volunteers is critical. While the literature offers a clear picture of the elements, including leadership ...
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Papers by Matthew Nisbet