Public Interest in Science in the 19th Century

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What significant change occurred in scientific journals by the end of the nineteenth century?

They shifted focus entirely to online platforms.

They stopped publishing articles on scientific topics.

They received significant financing and had a wide readership. (correct)

They became less read and poorly financed.

According to Karen Bultitude, which of the following is NOT a category of science communication?

Face-to-face events

Social media interactions (correct)

Traditional journalism

Internet contact

What is a primary characteristic of traditional journalism in science communication?

Definitive two-way communication

Potential to set the agenda and influence policies (correct)

High interaction between scientists and the public

Exclusive access to scientific debates

What issue arises from the nature of traditional journalism when reporting on science?

Scientists often lose control over the narrative of their work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common point of contention between scientists and journalists?

Oversimplification or dramatization of scientific work. Signup and view all the answers

What has research shown about scientists' satisfaction with media interactions?

Many scientists are satisfied and engage frequently with media. Signup and view all the answers

What role do scientific journals like Nature and National Geographic play in the public's understanding of science?

They serve as primary sources of science knowledge for a wide audience. Signup and view all the answers

What potential benefit does traditional journalism provide in science communication?

High-quality content produced by skilled journalists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first type of social constructivism concerned with?

Different possible realities Signup and view all the answers

Which key work introduced social construction into mainstream social sciences?

The Social Construction of Reality Signup and view all the answers

What does the second type of social constructivism emphasize?

Human-imposed classifications Signup and view all the answers

What idea does the third type of social constructivism challenge?

Scientific theories are based on solid evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the notion of 'objectivated social reality' refer to?

Societal truths acknowledged by a community Signup and view all the answers

Why is the sociologist's role significant in the context of social constructivism?

To study how reality is produced Signup and view all the answers

How can economic interests affect scientific research?

They can influence which projects are undertaken. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of social action explore?

The acceptance of diverse cultural realities Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main goals of scientific research as outlined in the norms for conducting experiments?

To discover scientific facts Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the norms for project applications?

Preparing for peer review Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the norms for conducting experiments?

Casual assessments Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to the success of group collaboration in scientific research?

Respect among scientists Signup and view all the answers

What do scientists primarily publish their theses for?

To report research progress Signup and view all the answers

What does reciprocal verification and evaluation require in scientific norms?

Clear documentation of observations and experiments Signup and view all the answers

In scientific culture, what facilitates the exchange of ideas among researchers?

In-depth academic contact Signup and view all the answers

What change has occurred in the norms for scientists' cooperation with large research projects?

The norms for cooperation have evolved Signup and view all the answers

What is one key reason scientists must adhere to scientific norms and ethics?

To maintain trust in scientific processes Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of scientific culture emphasizes the importance of being the first to publish a discovery?

Confirmation of priority Signup and view all the answers

What kind of professionals typically make up the editorial boards of science and technology journals?

Highly competent experts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a field that may conflict with traditional ethics?

Physical therapy Signup and view all the answers

What key innovation in the 19th century contributed to the wider dissemination of scientific texts?

Steam-powered printing press Signup and view all the answers

What is one common reward for obtaining confirmation of priority in scientific discoveries?

Scientific awards Signup and view all the answers

Who argued that scientific objectivity is supported by scientific procedures?

Robert K. Merton Signup and view all the answers

Which society aimed to promote universal literacy for all classes?

Henry Brougham's Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is emphasized as a part of the scientific evaluation and award systems?

Ownership of a new discovery Signup and view all the answers

How did the cost of books change during the 19th century?

It became affordable for the working class Signup and view all the answers

What role did weekly journals like the Penny Magazine play in the 19th century?

They aimed to inform the general public about scientific advances Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential implication of developments in transgenics and gene editing?

Significant implications for social morality Signup and view all the answers

What was a prominent feature of the lyceum movement in America during the 19th century?

Traveling lectures showcasing basic scientific experiments Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the professionalization of science have on public interest?

It increased public interest in scientific communication Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable trend regarding the publication of scientific discoveries in the 18th century?

Critical publishing in discipline-specific journals for career success Signup and view all the answers

What was highlighted by historian Aileen Fyfe regarding public information?

It played a vital role in intellectual advancement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Growth of Public Interest in Science

Increased availability of scientific communication due to professionalization and public engagement.
In the 19th century, the steam-powered printing press led to cost-effective book production, making texts accessible to working classes.

Scientific Media in the 19th Century

Lower book costs expanded readership beyond the elite, contributing to social reforms focused on education.
Aileen Fyfe noted that accessible public information was vital for intellectual growth.
Henry Brougham's Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge aimed to establish universal literacy.

Popularization of Science

Weekly journals like the Penny Magazine educated the public about scientific advancements.
Universities began hosting extension lectures to engage general audiences.
Travelling lectures, part of the lyceum movement, attracted hundreds throughout America, promoting science education.

Evolution of Scientific Publications

The late 19th century saw a decline in discipline-specific journals despite crucial roles for science careers.
Prominent journals such as Nature and National Geographic gained widespread readership and financial support, indicating increased public interest.

Contemporary Science Communication

Science communication now spans traditional journalism, live events, and internet engagement.
Traditional journalism (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio) remains influential, providing high-quality content but often lacks two-way dialogue.

Challenges in Science Communication

Interactions between scientists and journalists can be strained; oversimplification and misrepresentation concerns arise.
Surveys indicate mixed satisfaction regarding media relationships among scientists.

First type emphasizes that current structures are not predetermined.
Second type concerns politics of categories, highlighting the human-imposed nature of classifications.
Third type focuses on stability of scientific theories based on more than just evidence.

Sociology of Knowledge

Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann's work introduced social construction to social sciences.
Cultures have different interpretations of knowledge, impacting societal acceptance of reality.

Scientific Culture and Norms

Norms govern project applications, experimental conduct, and cooperation among scientists.
Emphasis on accuracy and repeatability in experiments is critical for scientific integrity.

Norms for Ethical Standards

Merton's views highlight the inherent risks in scientific research, necessitating higher ethical standards.
Ethical dilemmas arise in fields like transgenics, cloning, and AI, requiring adherence to scientific norms.

Science Assessment and Rewards

Evaluation systems influence scientific engagement and culture.
Emphasis on priority of discoveries shapes scientific community dynamics, affecting professional advancement and recognition.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the growth of public interest in science during the 19th century, focusing on the role of affordable publications and social reforms. Discover how scientific media, extension lectures, and weekly journals contributed to universal literacy and education. This quiz highlights significant movements that popularized science among the general public.