Model of Science Communication
MODELS OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION: HOW MANY CAN THERE BE?
Brian Trench School of Communications Dublin City University Ireland brian.trench@dcu.ie
Models of communication
• (implicit) construction of relations between participants in a communication process • basis of strategies adopted in particular communication acts or initiatives
From deficit model to dialogue?
Maybe, but … • Cultural change is never so neat • Mutuality was on the agenda before dialogue was proclaimed • Change of vocabulary ≠ change of model
Deficit model never went away
• Default position of many scientific communities and of public policy-makers close to them • Barely hidden in some ‘dialogue’ practices
– e.g. we listen to them in order to make our interventions more effective
Deficit model never went away
• Actively adopted by science advocates facing “irrational” public • Reinforced by versions of the “knowledge economy”
Simplified model of models
• Deficit • Dialogue • Participation
Linear one-way Linear two-way Networked, multidirectional
Expanding model of models
Deficit
We communicate science to them Transmission of information They are ignorant
Dialogue
We communicate science with them
Consultation on applications
They talk back
Participation
We communicate about science among them
Conversation about implications
They contribute
Alternatives to deficit model
• [We seek] to develop a widespread, innovative and effective system of dialogue with society ... [and] to take account of the values and attitudes of the public
– Royal Society
Deficit model in PCST studies
• “The science is pared down to isolated facts rather than effectively translated with methodology and context included”
– Study of genomics in media, Public Understanding of Science, 2004
Deficit model in PCST studies
• “Media stories should provide information that the public really needs to know and wants to know”
– analysis of media coverage of the
Brian Trench School of Communications Dublin City University Ireland brian.trench@dcu.ie
Models of communication
• (implicit) construction of relations between participants in a communication process • basis of strategies adopted in particular communication acts or initiatives
From deficit model to dialogue?
Maybe, but … • Cultural change is never so neat • Mutuality was on the agenda before dialogue was proclaimed • Change of vocabulary ≠ change of model
Deficit model never went away
• Default position of many scientific communities and of public policy-makers close to them • Barely hidden in some ‘dialogue’ practices
– e.g. we listen to them in order to make our interventions more effective
Deficit model never went away
• Actively adopted by science advocates facing “irrational” public • Reinforced by versions of the “knowledge economy”
Simplified model of models
• Deficit • Dialogue • Participation
Linear one-way Linear two-way Networked, multidirectional
Expanding model of models
Deficit
We communicate science to them Transmission of information They are ignorant
Dialogue
We communicate science with them
Consultation on applications
They talk back
Participation
We communicate about science among them
Conversation about implications
They contribute
Alternatives to deficit model
• [We seek] to develop a widespread, innovative and effective system of dialogue with society ... [and] to take account of the values and attitudes of the public
– Royal Society
Deficit model in PCST studies
• “The science is pared down to isolated facts rather than effectively translated with methodology and context included”
– Study of genomics in media, Public Understanding of Science, 2004
Deficit model in PCST studies
• “Media stories should provide information that the public really needs to know and wants to know”
– analysis of media coverage of the