Knowing Me, Knowing You. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carr, Anna E.; Grand, Ann; Sullivan, Miriam
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 39:Number 6(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 771
• Page End: 781
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: engagement -- knowledge deficit model -- science communication -- public knowledge of science; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547017736891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

To engage effectively, it is important to understand audiences' values, attitudes, and background knowledge. Given that researchers are increasingly expected to be responsible for public engagement, we conducted a small study into their perceptions of publics' scientific knowledge. Our data show researchers feel public engagement is important and their particular field is not difficult to understand. However, our participants appeared to rely on guesswork when estimating public knowledge and to underestimate positive public attitudes toward science. We suggest if researchers develop a more accurate sense of audiences' knowledge and attitudes they will be able to engage more effectively and efficiently.