Episode 104 - The Threat of Miscommunication: Understanding Scientists and Their Public Perception

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges of science communication and the impact of identity on public trust in scientists.

The discussion today centers on the pressing issue of science communication and the alarming erosion of public trust in scientific endeavors. Our guest, Alex Kirkpatrick, a distinguished scholar in science communication from Washington State University and Cornell Engineering, offers a novel perspective by examining the dynamics between scientists and the public, particularly through the lens of identity and perceived threat. We delve into the inadequacies of the prevalent knowledge deficit model, which assumes that simply imparting scientific knowledge will foster acceptance and trust. Kirkpatrick's research highlights how a scientist's strong identification with their profession can inadvertently lead to negative perceptions of non-scientists, consequently hindering effective communication. This episode promises to illuminate the intricate interplay between identity, communication, and trust in science, providing valuable insights for both scientists and communicators alike. Takeaways: The podcast discusses the critical issue of trust in science and the communication breakdown between the scientific community and the public. Alex Kirkpatrick's research reveals how scientists'…

People in this episode

Host: Bradley van Paridon

Guest: Alex Kirkpatrick

Topics covered

• science communication
• public trust
• identity
• scientists
• non-scientists
• knowledge deficit model

Keywords

• science communication
• public trust
• identity
• knowledge deficit model
• scientists
• non-scientists

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington State University, Cornell Engineering

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