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Reasons for covering opinion polls in news
Opinion polls are covered to gauge public opinion, influence decision-making, and generate audience interest.
Common flaws in poll coverage
Misinterpretation of results, lack of transparency about methodology, overemphasis on strategic framing like horse race coverage, and promoting cynicism.
What is horse race coverage in polling?
Coverage that focuses on who's ahead or behind in a race, rather than substantive issues or policy positions.
What does exemplification theory suggest?
News stories use vivid examples (vox populi) over base rate information, leading to distorted public perceptions.
Spiral of silence theory
Individuals are less likely to express opinions if they believe their views are in the minority.
What is presumed influence?
The belief that media messages influence others more than oneself, related to third-person perceptions.
Types of science communication
Health communication, environmental communication, and risk communication.
Trends in public trust in science and scientists
Trust varies over time and across demographics but is influenced by transparency, communication, and perceived credibility of scientists.
Participants in science communication
Scientists, science communicators, science journalists, and the public.
Goals of science communication
To inform, persuade, and engage audiences about scientific topics.
What are examples of narrative and emotional persuasion in science communication?
Using stories to enhance understanding and emotions like hope or fear to motivate action.
What is gain/loss framing?
Framing information based on potential benefits (gains) or risks (losses) to influence decision-making.
What challenges do science journalists face?
Limited resources, time constraints, difficulty translating complex science, and public misinformation.
Why are science journalists motivated to work despite challenges?
Passion for educating the public, a sense of duty to communicate science, and personal fulfillment.
Key traits and skills for science journalists
Critical thinking, storytelling, simplifying complex information, and fostering public trust.
Dimensions of science literacy (Howell and Brossard)
Civic science literacy, digital media science literacy, and cognitive science literacy.
Expertise: Meaning and value (Alchin)
Expertise is the specialized knowledge valued in decision-making but can be limited by biases or lack of consensus.
What is the role of gatekeepers in science communication?
Gatekeepers control access to scientific information and influence how it is communicated to the public.
Solutions for misinformation/disinformation
Warning labels, debunking/corrections, prebunking/inoculation, AI tools, and media/science literacy.
What is the grasp of evidence framework?
A framework emphasizing the ability to critically evaluate evidence and its implications in scientific contexts.
How do authors suggest improving science literacy education?
Focus on critical thinking, hands-on practice with evidence evaluation, and addressing cognitive biases.
