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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Articles 1 - 13 of 13
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
If Nobody Hears Us, Do We Really Make A Sound? Investigating Agriculture Faculty Members’ Engagement In Science Communication, Shelli D. Rampold, Taylor Ruth, Jamie Greig
If Nobody Hears Us, Do We Really Make A Sound? Investigating Agriculture Faculty Members’ Engagement In Science Communication, Shelli D. Rampold, Taylor Ruth, Jamie Greig
Journal of Applied Communications
Science communication is a crucial factor for ensuring scientific work in food and agriculture reaches intended end-users. Unfortunately, research faculty may not be willing or able to engage in science communication activities. This study was organized using the Faculty Engagement Framework to evaluate the personal, professional, and institutional factors that influence University of Tennessee faculty members’ engagement in public-facing science communication. Results indicated faculty members in this study were overall not highly engaged in science communication activities. Factors that significantly predicted their degree of engagement included knowledge of and attitudes toward communicating their science to public audiences. While the results …
Perceptions Of Science Communication’S Domain, Practices, And Identity: What Concerns Members On The Peripheral Edge Of A Community Of Practice, Rebecca Swenson, Corissa Marson
Perceptions Of Science Communication’S Domain, Practices, And Identity: What Concerns Members On The Peripheral Edge Of A Community Of Practice, Rebecca Swenson, Corissa Marson
Journal of Applied Communications
This research shares insights from qualitative interviews with scientists in agricultural and environmental science programs (n=26) to better understand how occasional, peripheral, or emerging members of the science communication community of practice perceive its domain, practices, and identity. Findings suggest concern about personal risks of communicating, especially control over messaging, interactions with disagreeable audiences, being incorrect, and reputation damage. However, many believe that communication is broadly important for their field and resources. Scientists did not have clear agreement on boundaries of science communication, and advocacy and uncertainty were points of contention. Suggestions for strengthening science communication training are proposed.
Changes In The Information Uses And Gratifications Of Virtual Communications For Kansas State Research And Extension Agents During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Katie E. Messerla, Katherine J. Starzec, Brandie Disberger, Elaine Johannes
Changes In The Information Uses And Gratifications Of Virtual Communications For Kansas State Research And Extension Agents During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Katie E. Messerla, Katherine J. Starzec, Brandie Disberger, Elaine Johannes
Journal of Applied Communications
Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) staff have experienced many changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as remote work requirements and technology adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the use of virtual communications used by K-State Research and Extension agents’ internal communications as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was guided by uses and gratifications theory to understand Extension agents’ intensity of use of virtual communications channels for internal communications and the effectiveness of virtual communication channels for workplace communication needs. Through a quantitative Qualtrics survey (n = 99) with a …
Factors Influencing Public Perception Of Science, Taniya Jayani Koswatta, Gary Wingenbach, Holli R. Leggette
Factors Influencing Public Perception Of Science, Taniya Jayani Koswatta, Gary Wingenbach, Holli R. Leggette
Journal of Applied Communications
Our literature review identified factors influencing public perception of science within the context of science communication. We analyzed 40 studies using an integrative literature review method and found that most research about public perception of science was conducted in developed countries’ contexts. We identified five categories of factors that influence public perception: Type of science, audience beliefs, socio-demographics, source of communication, and environment. We observed the type of science is the fundamental factor that determines the influence of other factors. Audience belief factors are the most influential factor theme. We also noticed that factors act as confounding and/or mediating variables …
Show Me And What Will I Remember? Exploring Recall In Response To Nws Tornado Warning Graphics, Laura Morgan Fischer, Ginger Orton, Jeannette Sutton, Madison Wallace
Show Me And What Will I Remember? Exploring Recall In Response To Nws Tornado Warning Graphics, Laura Morgan Fischer, Ginger Orton, Jeannette Sutton, Madison Wallace
Journal of Applied Communications
It is critical that organizations deliver timely, effective communication about potential risks and life-saving information. The National Weather Service (NWS) developed a suite of messages known as “experimental graphic products” to be automatically distributed through their local official Twitter accounts at the onset of fast-moving, severe weather events such as tornadoes. However, recent research has suggested messages need to be carefully constructed for audiences to place attention to the content, remember the content, and later act in response to the content. The purpose of this study is to explore what people recall of the NWS Twitter message. We used an …
Challenges And Motivations Of Science Communication: An Administrative Perspective At Land-Grant Universities, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Joy N. Rumble, Ricky W. Telg
Challenges And Motivations Of Science Communication: An Administrative Perspective At Land-Grant Universities, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Joy N. Rumble, Ricky W. Telg
Journal of Applied Communications
Interdisciplinary agricultural research centers are becoming more common at land-grant universities. These centers often use an interdisciplinary approach to address complex science issues. As these centers address agricultural issues that impact society, effective science communication is a necessary activity. However, these centers may face unique barriers or opportunities. This study utilized a qualitative approach to identify the barriers and motivations of interdisciplinary agricultural center directors when communicating about science. Participants identified common science communication challenges, such as time and lack of funding. Funding was also identified as a motivation, as well as factors related to the tenure and promotion process. …
Using Audience Segmentation To Determine Millennial Perceptions Toward Gm Foods, Katherine Burke Ph.D., Courtney D. Boman Ph.D., Jeremy D'Angelo, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D.
Using Audience Segmentation To Determine Millennial Perceptions Toward Gm Foods, Katherine Burke Ph.D., Courtney D. Boman Ph.D., Jeremy D'Angelo, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D.
Journal of Applied Communications
Millennial consumers are an essential population segment who are currently the third highest spenders in grocery aisles. Millennials are often lumped into one homogenous group; however, they are instead a diverse group comprised of unique characteristics. As producers are increasingly adopting genetically modified (GM) crops, it is essential to understand how consumers perceive the technology. Using the Situational Theory of Publics, an online survey was used to capture character traits of millennials and their perceptions toward GM foods. Using non-probability quota sampling (N=386), millennials were asked to answer demographic questions as well as questions related to their level …
Identifying Audience Needs To Effectively Communicate About The Cost Of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices, Kristin E. Gibson, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm
Identifying Audience Needs To Effectively Communicate About The Cost Of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices, Kristin E. Gibson, Alexa J. Lamm, Kevan W. Lamm
Journal of Applied Communications
Water is a complex issue across the globe and is largely affected by a growing world population and higher standard of living. Within the United States, the security of the freshwater supply is an increasing concern and water resource protection may increase if residents are knowledgeable about the issue. Sustainable farming systems will lessen the impact of agriculture on water resources but may cost the end user more to ensure sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if rural, urban, and suburban audiences differ in their willingness to pay for sustainable farming practices that protect water resources …
Animating Science Communication: Measuring U.S. Consumers’ Recall About Genetic Modification With Animated Infographics, Jessica Holt, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble
Animating Science Communication: Measuring U.S. Consumers’ Recall About Genetic Modification With Animated Infographics, Jessica Holt, Alexa J. Lamm, Kristin Gibson, Kevan Lamm, Jason D. Ellis Ph.D., Joy N. Rumble
Journal of Applied Communications
Genetic modification (GM) science is a complex and controversial topic that can instill uncertainty and fear into the minds of the individuals. While science research surrounding GM science in food has indicated no negative impact on the health of humans, consumer perception research has indicated a sense of skepticism and risk surrounding the issue. The Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model attempts to understand how individuals search for and process information about a subject with some associated level of risk. Infographics are a form of data visualization used to communicate complex ideas. Animation has been shown to garner greater …
Describing Interdisciplinary Agricultural Research Center Directors’ Perceptions Of Science Communication Through Goals And Beliefs, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Ricky Telg, Joy Rumble
Describing Interdisciplinary Agricultural Research Center Directors’ Perceptions Of Science Communication Through Goals And Beliefs, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Ricky Telg, Joy Rumble
Journal of Applied Communications
This study explored the perceptions of science communication held by interdisciplinary agricultural research center directors and identified the directors’ goals and beliefs, specifically related to science communication. Ten interdisciplinary agricultural research center directors from top research, land-grant institutions were interviewed for this study. Findings from this study determined that the directors’ perceptions were rooted in service to the public, knowledge, public good, obligation, and relationships. Participants discussed attempting to bring awareness to science as a goal of science communication. They also discussed feeling obligated to communicate about science as part of a land-grant institution. Participants particularly believed that faculty with …
Should Livestock Images Provide Historical Reference Or Modern Reality? An Examination Of The Influence Of Livestock Communication On Attitude., Joy N. Rumble, Tiffany M. Rogers-Randolph, Emily B. Buck
Should Livestock Images Provide Historical Reference Or Modern Reality? An Examination Of The Influence Of Livestock Communication On Attitude., Joy N. Rumble, Tiffany M. Rogers-Randolph, Emily B. Buck
Journal of Applied Communications
The livestock industry has repeatedly struggled to effectively communicate livestock care and handling practices in order to promote awareness and acceptance. Many consumers still hold on to the historically picturesque view of production agriculture instead of the modern reality. It is necessary for the industry to identify how much is too much to tell or show consumers. Therefore, this study sought to understand the influence of two communication treatments on attitudes toward livestock care and use. Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) served as the theoretical framework for this study. A sample of 1,049 respondents was obtained through non-probability sampling. To fulfill …
Diffusion Of Innovations And Public Communication Campaigns: An Examination Of The 4r Nutrient Stewardship Program, Henry Seeger, Robyn S. Wilson
Diffusion Of Innovations And Public Communication Campaigns: An Examination Of The 4r Nutrient Stewardship Program, Henry Seeger, Robyn S. Wilson
Journal of Applied Communications
This project is an examination of how strategies for innovation in fertilizer application are communicated to agricultural communities. Specifically, this project examines the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program‒a public communication campaign seeking to encourage the use of specific strategies, tools, and best practices in fertilizer application. The campaign is advanced by the Fertilizer Institute, an industry trade association, and targets local agricultural communities within the United States. To understand how this campaign functions to encourage adoption of innovative fertilizer application behaviors, this project draws on the principles of diffusion of innovations theory as well as established concepts within public relations, including …
Message Framing And Climate Change Communication: A Meta-Analytical Review, Nan Li, Leona Yi-Fan Su
Message Framing And Climate Change Communication: A Meta-Analytical Review, Nan Li, Leona Yi-Fan Su
Journal of Applied Communications
This meta-analytic study reviewed experimental studies that examined the effects of message framing on public engagement with climate change. We included 10 studies that used self-reported measures of climate-related attitudes and behaviors, with 26 comparison pairs. The results suggested that message framing generally has a positive effect on individuals’ engagement with climate change and its two sub-categories – behavioral intentions and support for climate policy. More specifically, we found message frames that emphasize the environmental, economic, and moral dimensions of climate change have a small-to-medium size impact on individuals’ engagement with climate change. In contrast, message frames around public health …