Science Communication Readings Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What commonly cited barrier can contribute to unmet desire for collaboration?

Lack of incentives within one’s organization (correct)

Insufficient technology

Overabundance of resources

Excessive opportunities

Which of the following is NOT a concern regarding oneself in relationality?

Script concerns

Will I be able to effectively relate to the other person?

Self-competence

Will they enjoy the interaction? (correct)

How can uncertainty about relationality be effectively overcome?

By relying solely on personal assumptions

By minimizing direct communication

By using third parties (correct)

By avoiding discussions about needs

What is the role of direct communication in overcoming relationality issues?

To make relational desires explicit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concerns does NOT relate to whether the other person will reciprocate in relationality?

Will I be able to effectively relate? Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in capturing listeners' attention during communication?

Relating the topic to their goals Signup and view all the answers

According to Lupia, what primarily determines a speaker's credibility?

The audience's perception of the speaker Signup and view all the answers

What are the limits to 'information dissemination' in scientific communication?

Decision-makers might ignore scientists Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'relative expertise' in the context of communication?

Knowledge relevant to the listener’s decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to develop collaborative relationships in scientific communication?

To bring diverse expertise to problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What does Lupia suggest might be a reason decision-makers do not pay attention to scientists?

Overconfidence in their own knowledge Signup and view all the answers

How can one leverage the understanding of credibility to maintain public health agendas post-COVID?

By ensuring alignment of interests with the community Signup and view all the answers

What role does trustworthiness play in a speaker's credibility?

It indicates shared interests with the audience. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of credibility according to the definition provided by Lupia?

Knowledgeable and trustworthy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups can contribute to the credibility of scientific information according to Oreskes?

Citizen scientists and professionals with relevant experience Signup and view all the answers

What does Epstein suggest about the agency of lay activists in relation to scientific credibility?

They have the ability to build credibility over time Signup and view all the answers

How did AIDS activists establish credibility in discussions about AIDS drug trials?

By leveraging their lived experiences and engaging in knowledge sharing Signup and view all the answers

Why is engaging non-scientists important for achieving credibility?

Non-scientists often have relevant experiences and knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended strategy for combating misinformation?

Foster collaborative relationships with communities before a crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What does political polarization refer to?

The growing distance between Democrats and Republicans over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for public health guidance to be clear, consistent, and frequent?

To avoid misinformation, especially during uncertain times. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'pre-buttal' in the context of combating misinformation?

Engaging audiences before misinformation claims arise. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do scientists and public health professionals face in relation to misinformation?

They must tolerate false claims in public discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of the module regarding the role of scientific expertise in democracy?

The influence of funding on scientific agenda-setting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following readings addresses the influence of misinformation on public perception?

Pandemic Politics: The Deadly Toll of Partisanship in the Age of Covid Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the themes discussed regarding the relationship between scientists and policymakers?

The role of public health researchers as trusted guides Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of ethics is explored in the context of public health policy?

The need for ethicists to participate in discussions Signup and view all the answers

Which topic is emphasized as affecting both scientific communication and public response?

Political polarization Signup and view all the answers

According to the studies, how have activists influenced perceptions of science?

Through the construction of lay expertise Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why expertise in science is necessary for democracy?

It aids in evidence-based policymaking Signup and view all the answers

What vital role does the module suggest for public health researchers?

They act as communicators and facilitators between science and policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the conventional view of 'policy for science' as outlined in Bush's linear model?

Basic research funded by government provides solutions for applied researchers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of the deficit model in the 'science for policy' conventional view?

It assumes that providing information will automatically resolve political conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Why might decision-makers be skeptical of scientific findings?

There can be conflicts with their own values and interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason why scientists themselves may be questioned in terms of their findings?

Disagreements among scientists limit the reliability of science. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a limitation of scientific findings in providing policy guidance?

Specific policy responses are rarely straightforward from scientific findings. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge exists regarding the attention and interaction of decision-makers with scientific research?

Scarcity of attention can lead to neglect of scientific insights. Signup and view all the answers

What role do non-scientists play in solving problems or improving communities?

They can provide essential information and perspectives that complement scientific insights. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to improve the interaction between science and policy?

Fostering collaboration and enhancing science communication. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Readings

Elizabeth Christopherson, Dietram Scheufele, and Brooke Smith, "The Civic Science Imperative" is included.
The Economist, “The Trials of Gene Therapy" is included.
Adam Levine, “Collaborate Now!" (Chapters 1, 5, & 6) is included.
Arthur Lupia, “Communicating Science in Politicized Environments" is included.
Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway, “Merchants of Doubt" (Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2) is included.
Hiroko Tabuchi, “In the Fight Over Gas Stoves, Meet the Industry's Go-To Scientist" is included.
Holden Thorp, “It Matters Who Does Science” is included.
Erica L. Green, “Longtime University President's Legacy: A Diverse New Generation in STEM” is included.
Steven Epstein, “The Construction of Lay Expertise: AIDS Activism and the Forging of Credibility in the Reform of Clinical Trials” is included.
Abby S. Haynes, “Galvanizers, Guides, Champions, and Shields: The Many Ways that Policymakers Use Public Health Researchers” is included.
Shana Gadarian, Sara Goodman, and Tom Pepinsky, "Pandemic Politics: The Deadly Toll of Partisanship in the Age of Covid" is included.
Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Ross Upshur, and Maxwell Smith, “What Covid Has Taught the World about Ethics.” is included.
Franklin G. Miller, “Should Ethicists Be at the Table in Public Health Policy Deliberations?” is included.

Lectures

Tuesday, November 5th, Key Historical Moments
Thursday, November 7th, The Science Workforce/Election Results
Tuesday, November 12th, Credibility, Expertise, and Power
Thursday, November 14th, The Nature of Relationships Between Scientists and Non-Scientists
Thursday, November 21st, Misinformation
Tuesday, December 3rd, Polarization
Thursday, December 5th, Ethics, Public Policy, and Course Wrap-Up

Podcasts

Public Health on Call Podcast, Episode 59, “Social Media, Scientific Uncertainty, and Political Polarization – Covid-19's Misinformation Storm”
Public Health on Call Podcast, Episode 178, “How Covid-19's Misinformation Storm May Impact the Election”

Other

How Does Science Become Useful in Society? The process involves funding decisions and communication strategies.
Science of Collaboration Collaborative relationships involving different expertise are important.
Adam Levine's Views on the Science of Collaboration Collaborative relationships involve the exchange of information and problem-solving.
Unmet Desire to Collaborate Unmet desire for collaborative relationships with those bringing diverse expertise is frequently cited as a barrier.
Survey of Local Policymakers (Levine) Local policymakers frequently express an unmet desire to engage in more evidence-informed policymaking and collaboration with researchers.
Three Surveys of Local & State Policymakers (Levine) Local government representatives (elected policymakers, managers, and civil servants) show unmet needs for more ethical decision-making.
Key finding: 81% expressed unmet desire on one or more sustainability challenges
A Reminder on Policy for Science Vs. Science for Policy The distinction between policy for science and science for policy is important.
Policy for Science at the Federal Level Federal policy decisions on science are influenced multiple factors.
Science for Policy at the Federal Level Federal regulations are influenced by various actors.
Looking Beyond the Federal Level The federal system is complex with actors at national, state, and local levels.
Credibility Credibility is important for influencing an audience. Knowledge and trustworthiness are key components. Non-experts can also have credibility.
Misinformation Misinformation can be spread intentionally or unintentionally.
Political Polarization Political polarization is an increasing distance between Democrats and Republicans over time, including issue-based and affective aspects. Political polarization can hinder collaborative discussions.
Strategies for Working in Politically Polarized Settings Building new collaborative relationships and using in-group recognition are suggested approaches for dealing with political divides in science policy.
Key Question of this Class: How Does Science Become Useful in Society? This question considers how science is used in policy, particularly with respect to misinformation and political divides.

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Description

Test your understanding of key readings in science communication and its impact on society. This quiz covers several essential texts that address the intersection of science, politics, and public perception. Dive into influential works by various authors to explore how science is communicated in today's world.