Bridging the void: science communication videos for sustainable whale watching. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Finkler, Wiebke; Higham, James E.S.; León, Bienvenido; Aitken, Robert
• Is Part Of: International journal of science education. Volume 9:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 312
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Whale watching -- science communication -- filmmaking -- science education -- sustainable tourism -- visual research; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Science -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Communication in science; Science -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 507.105
• DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2019.1671636
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2154-8455

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the role of science communication for sustainable whale watching management. It uses a pragmatic mixed-method approach to present a critical analysis of the potential role of science communication videos to manage participant expectations. Drawing on 30 years of science research on whale watching the empirical study produces an original science communication video. The video was then tested empirically ( N = 1698) employing an experimental Test and Control group design. The results highlight that science communication videos can serve as educational management tools for sustainable tourism, and influence people towards responsible whale watching behavior. Furthermore, the results are a clarion call to increase visual research methods in science communication studies in response to our rapidly changing media-environment.