Getting The Public To Listen To Good Science

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "We all know that false or misleading science headlines are all too common these days and that misleading media combined with an apathetic and undereducated public lead to widespread ignorance. But the real question is, how can this trend be reversed? At a session at the recent AAAS meeting, a study was discussed indicating that what matters most is how the information is portrayed. While people are willing to defer to experts on matters of low concern, for things that affect them directly, such as breast cancer or childhood diseases, expertise only counts for as much as giving off a 'sense of honesty and openness,' and that it matters far less than creating a sense of empathy in deciding who people will listen to. In other words, it's not enough to merely report on it as an expert. You need to make sure your report exudes a sense of honesty, openness, empathy, and maybe even a hint of humor."

Comments

Re:Mandatory IQ and other cognitive ability

[Gyga]

"Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with hands or genitals."

The moment you say "do not" someone will. Therefore that chainsaw manufacturer is helping humanity.

My method

[erroneus]

I have a "special" dentists chair in my basement. It's very comfortable so they don't "need" to move. Then I make the air really humid so that they don't need to blink which really helps make the toothpicks in their eyes much more tolerable. Then I just play them simple, repeatative educational videos for a short time... say about 72 hours or so. I find people are rather receptive to new ideas in the right environment.

Re:easy mode

[Unclemort]

If you put all idiots on an island and make a reality tv show out of it, who would watch it?

Re:Yeah, but can you 'prove' it?

[Anonymous Coward]

As a Scientologist I am offended by your remark.

Re:One name: Isaac Asimov

[AJWM]

Clearly we should find a way for Britney Spears to popularize good science.

What, you mean like Britney Spears' Guide to Semiconductor Physics?

Re:Entertainment value

[johnsonav]

I'd like to amend that to remove TLC. Sadly, we're well beyond the days of James Burke's Connections and the like. There's not much science involved in 2-day home renovation shows, fashion makeover shows, or pimp-my-vehicle. Whaaaat?! If it wasn't for Trading Spaces, my Ph.D thesis, "The Effects of Quantum Entanglement on Low-Cost Interior Design" would never have happened. I owe my job here at CERN (Cost Efficient Redesigning, National) to that show.

Re:Entertainment value

[a_nonamiss]

Look how Discovery channel etc get hyped and dramatized and facts removed to make for a more entertaining package Actually, this is a myth. I know because I saw it on Mythbusters. And it was totally busted.

Re:Don't let facts get in the way of good fun

[spun]

I wish the fundies would do what Jesus did. You know, getting hung up on a cross and dying.