Nanotechnology and the public: Effectively communicating nanoscale science and engineering concepts
Source abstract
Abstract
Researchers are faced with challenges when addressing the public on concepts and applications associated with nanotechnology. The goal of our work was to understand the public’s knowledge of nanotechnology in order to identify appropriate starting points for dialog. Survey results showed that people lack true understanding of concepts associated with atoms and the size of the nanoscale regime. Such gaps in understanding lead to a disappointing lack of communication between researchers and the public concerning fundamental concepts in nanoscale science and engineering. Strategies are offered on how scientists should present their research when engaging the public on nanotechnology topics.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Climate Change Communication and Perception
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (23)
Show source-provided references
1. Best R.M., Rowe M. et al. (2005). Deep-level comprehension of science texts – the role of the reader and the text Top. Lang. Disord. 25(1): 65–8310.1097/00011363-200501000-00007 ↗
2. Cobb M.D., Macoubrie J. (2004). Public perceptions about nanotechnology: Risks, benefits and trust J. Nanoparticle Res. 6(4): 395–40510.1007/s11051-004-3394-4 ↗
3. Kasuya R.T., 2004. Give your audience a problem and they will learn. Presentations (August 2004)
4. Levie W.H., Lentz R. (1982). Effects of text illustrations – a review of research ECTJ-Educ. Commun. Technol. J. 30(4): 195–23210.1007/BF02765184 ↗
5. Macoubrie J., 2005. Informed Public Perceptions of Nanotechnology and Trust in Government, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
6. Massey A.P., Brown S.A. et al. (2005). It’s all fun and games...until students learn J. Inform. Syst. Educ. 16(1): 9–15
7. Mayer R.E., Moreno R. (1998). Split-attention effect in multimedia learning Evidence for dual processing systems in working memory J. Educ. Psychol. 90(2): 312–32010.1037/0022-0663.90.2.312 ↗
8. Melber L.M., Abraham L.M. (1999). Beyond the classroom: Linking with informal education Sci. Act. 36(1): 3–4
9. Nisbet M.C. (2005). The competition for worldviews: Values, information, and public support for stem cell research Int. J. Public Opin. Res. 17(1): 90–11210.1093/ijpor/edh058 ↗
10. NSB, 1999. Preparing Our Children: Math and Science Education in the National Interest, National Science Board
11. NSB, 2003. The Science and Engineering Workforce – Realizing America’s Potential, National Science Board
12. Paivio A. (1986). Mental Representations: A Dual Coding Approach .New YorkOxford University Press
13. Pecora T.A., Owen M.C. et al. (2003). Bridging the gap between pure science and the general public: Comparison of the informational exchange for these extremities in scientific awareness J. Mol. Struct. Theochem 666: 699–70610.1016/j.theochem.2003.08.097 ↗
14. Rennie L.J., Stocklmayer S.M. (2003). The communication of science and technology: Past, present and future agendasInt. J. Sci. Educ. 25(6): 759–77310.1080/09500690305020 ↗
15. Roco M.C. (2004). The US National Nanotechnology Initiative after 3 years (2001–2003) J. Nanoparticle Res. 6(1): 1–1010.1023/B:NANO.0000023243.25838.73 ↗
16. Scheufele D., Lewenstein B.V. (2005). The public and nanotechnology: How citizens make sense of emerging technologies J. Nanoparticle Res. 7(6): 659–66710.1007/s11051-005-7526-2 ↗
17. Shelton A.M., Sears M.K. (2001). The monarch butterfly controversy: Scientific interpretations of a phenomenon Plant J. 27(6): 483–48810.1046/j.1365-313X.2001.01118.x ↗
18. Sturgis P., Cooper H. et al. (2005). Attitudes to biotechnology estimating the opinions of a better-informed public New Genet. Soc. 24(1): 31–5610.1080/14636770500037693 ↗
19. Tennyson R.D., Cocchiarella M.J. (1986). An empirically based instructional-design theory for teaching concepts Rev. Educ. Res. 56(1): 40–7110.3102/00346543056001040 ↗
20. Thompson V.A., Paivio A. (1994). Memory for pictures and sounds – independence of auditory and visual codes Can. J. Exp. Psychol.48(3): 380–39810.1037/1196-1961.48.3.380 ↗
21. van Dijk T.A., Kintsch W. (1983). Strategies of Discourse Comprehension New York, Academic Press
22. Van Langen A., Dekkers H. (2005). Crossnational differences in participating in tertiary science, technology, engineering and mathematics education Comp. Educ. 41(3): 329–35010.1080/03050060500211708 ↗
23. Winter E. (2004). Public communication of science and technology – German and European perspectives Sci. Commun. 25(3): 288–29310.1177/1075547003262665 ↗