Methodological Alternatives that Promote Public Engagement for Science Communication

Abstract

Science communication has dramatically evolved in the past two decades from dissemination strategies to more dialogic communication that requires reflecting on how to foster interaction, interest, and participation among non-expert audiences and scientists. For this reason, several scholars have suggested developing science communication through the paradigm of participatory methodologies for research and practical initiatives (Bucchi & Trench, 2014; Haywood & Besley, 2014; Pearce et al., 2015). However, the literature on the subject indicates that developing participatory frameworks for research and practical initiatives has been challenging, and frequently, deficit-based strategies tend to be reproduced even through efforts of dialogic initiatives, such as science communication events and town halls in public museums (Davies, 2008). Developing research and practical initiatives that promote interchange between scientists and non-experts from the broader public requires learning more about public engagement and participatory methodologies. To overcome deficit-based science communication, participatory action research (PAR) has been suggested by science communication scholars as a promising methodological approach (Bucchi & Trench, 2014; Holliman et al., 2008; Leach et al., 2008) that can guide more nuanced paradigms for research and practice and develops innovative strategies that unite researchers and audiences around science.