Science on Tap: Effective Public Engagement or Preaching to the Choir?

Cara Ocobock, Patricia Hawley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The goal of Science Cafés and Science on Taps is to encourage open discourse between scientists and the public in a casual setting (e.g., a bar) in order to improve the public understanding of, and trust in, science. These events have existed for over two decades, but there is no research studying their efficacy. Data presented here demonstrate that a yearlong Science on Tap series induced little change among the attendees with respect to attitudes, emotions, and knowledge about the nature of science. Ultimately, we found this event may be preaching to the choir rather than changing hearts and minds.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-19
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Science Communication
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 10 2020

Keywords

  • Public perception of science and technology
  • Public understanding of science and technology
  • Science communication
  • theory and models

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