Mapping mental models of science communication: How academics in Germany, Austria and Switzerland understand and practice science communication.

ABSTRACT: The mental models that individual scholars have of science communication - how it works, what it is supposed to achieve and so on - shape the way these academics actually communicate to the public. But these mental models, and their prevalence among scholars, have rarely been analysed. Drawing on a large-scale, representative web survey of academics at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (n = 15,778) from 2020, we identify three mental models that are prevalent among scholars, and that correspond to conceptual models found in science communication theory: 'Public Understanding of Science', 'Public Engagement with Science' and 'Strategic Science Communication'. The results suggest that the 'Strategic Science Communication' model is particularly prevalent among academics

SUBMITTER: Kessler SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9344493 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature